The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, has taken decisive action to ensure that only high-quality pharmaceuticals are available in the market. As part of ongoing efforts by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), a recall of specific medications has been ordered due to safety and quality concerns.

Recall of Spurious Drugs

In a recent announcement, Raghuvanshi revealed that five drugs have been classified as spurious, leading to accountability measures against their manufacturers. In total, around 45 manufacturers have been instructed to recall the drugs and batches specified in the CDSCO’s notification.

Clarification on Misreported Bans

Raghuvanshi addressed confusion surrounding recent reports that suggested a ban on “50 fake medicines.” He clarified, “This is completely wrong. They are not fake medicines. They were ‘not of standard quality’ medicines.” He emphasized that only five drugs fall into the category of spurious, while the rest are considered substandard but not counterfeit.

Monitoring Drug Quality

The CDSCO conducts rigorous monitoring to uphold drug quality. Over 2,000 samples are collected from various markets each month, with tests evaluating their compliance with established quality standards. According to Raghuvanshi, approximately 40-50 samples may fail to meet certain quality parameters, though many of these failures involve minor issues that do not pose significant health risks. The results of these tests are made available on the CDSCO’s public portal, ensuring transparency.

Immediate Response to Quality Concerns

When issues regarding drug quality are identified, the CDSCO acts swiftly. “On our part, what we do as a process is put all these on recall,” Raghuvanshi stated. He explained that as soon as the organization receives information about a drug being “not of standard quality” or spurious, manufacturers are immediately notified to initiate the recall process.

Commitment to Public Safety

The DCGI’s proactive measures reflect a commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that only safe, effective medicines are available to consumers. By maintaining strict oversight and responding quickly to quality issues, the CDSCO aims to bolster confidence in the pharmaceutical market and protect the well-being of patients across India.