MoS Health Bharati Pawar lists out measures taken to ensure quality of medicines

Feb 11,2024

New Delhi: The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Bharati Pravin Pawar , listed out in the Lok Sabha  on Friday the measures taken by the government to ensure the quality of medicines in the country. 

In his written reply, the Minister said that the Drugs and Cosmetics (Amendment) Act 2008 provides stringent penalties for the manufacture of spurious and adulterated drugs.

Before the grant of a manufacturing license, manufacturing establishments are to be mandatorily inspected jointly by the drug inspectors of the Central Government and State Government.

"Applicants now mandatorily need to submit evidence of stability and safety of excipients to the State Licensing Authority before the Authority grants a manufacturing licence," the Minister said.

Manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs in the country are regulated by the  State Licensing Authorities appointed by the respective State Government under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1945 and Rules. State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) are empowered to take action in case of violation of any condition of licenses.

The Minister said that, along with the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), it has taken several regulatory measures to ensure the quality of medicines in the country.

"The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940 was amended under the Drugs & Cosmetics (Amendment) Act of 2008 to provide stringent penalties for the manufacture of spurious and adulterated drugs. Certain offences have also been made cognisable and non-bailable," the Minister said.

Source: Pharma