The apex drugs regulator aims to enhance risk-based inspections, monitoring, sampling, and enforcement measures to curb the circulation of spurious drugs

India’s Drug Regulator Strengthens Efforts to Combat Spurious Medicines

In a significant step toward ensuring public health safety, India’s apex drug regulator has announced a series of measures aimed at tightening the noose on the circulation of spurious and substandard drugs. This move comes in response to rising concerns about counterfeit medications endangering lives and eroding trust in the healthcare system.

The regulatory body has decided to adopt a risk-based approach to inspections, monitoring, and enforcement. By prioritizing high-risk manufacturing units and supply chains for rigorous inspections, the regulator aims to identify and eliminate potential violations more effectively. Advanced sampling techniques and stricter scrutiny will also be implemented to ensure that medicines in circulation meet the prescribed standards of quality and efficacy.

A senior official from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) stated, “The goal is to protect consumers from the harmful effects of counterfeit drugs while holding manufacturers and distributors accountable. Public health is our top priority, and we are working to create a robust system that minimizes risks at every level of the supply chain.”

To support these measures, the government plans to invest in cutting-edge technology for real-time tracking and analysis of drug batches. Furthermore, increased collaboration with state drug regulators and law enforcement agencies will ensure timely action against offenders. The initiative also seeks to raise awareness among consumers about identifying genuine medicines and reporting suspicious products.

Pharmaceutical experts and public health advocates have welcomed the move, describing it as a long-overdue response to a pervasive issue. However, they have also emphasized the need for consistent implementation and transparency in regulatory actions.

By enhancing inspections and leveraging data-driven methods, the regulator aims to set a higher benchmark for drug quality in India, protecting millions from the dangers of spurious medications while bolstering the country's reputation as a global pharmaceutical hub.