Government Halts Drug Production at 31 Firms and Takes Strict Actions over Quality Norms

The Indian government has taken strict measures against several pharmaceutical companies for failing to comply with quality control standards. Production of drugs has been halted at 31 firms, while the licenses of 50 firms have been cancelled or suspended.

Additionally, 73 firms have received showcause notices, and 21 firms have been issued warning letters. These actions come as a result of a nationwide inspection of drug manufacturing units that were identified as being at risk of producing substandard, adulterated, or counterfeit drugs.

The inspections were prompted by recent controversies involving the alleged adulteration of certain products, particularly cold and cough syrups exported abroad. To ensure compliance with the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and its rules, a committee comprising two joint drug controllers has been established at the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation headquarters to oversee the inspection process, reporting, and subsequent actions.

On the matter, Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers, Mansukh Mandaviya, held a meeting with representatives from various pharmaceutical companies, stressing the importance of maintaining drug quality and urging small and medium-sized pharma companies to adopt good manufacturing practices through self-regulation.

Mandaviya also instructed the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to take strong action against any companies involved in producing counterfeit drugs, emphasizing that the quality of drugs manufactured in India should not be compromised.