Karnataka is actively addressing the escalating threat posed by counterfeit drugs to protect public welfare. The state is implementing a range of approaches designed to assure that only premium quality and efficacious medications are available to patients. This involves rigorous monitoring and enforcement of drug laws through unexpected and routine inspections, enhanced tracking mechanisms, and prompt action against offenders.
Unexpected checks and law enforcement are pivotal in curbing the production and sale of counterfeit drugs and non-prescription medicines in pharmacies. The state’s drugs control department will receive complete backing from the government, said Karnataka’s Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dinesh Gundu Rao, during the 30th anniversary of the All India Drugs Control Officers’ Confederation, where discussions centered on the theme ‘Protecting Public Health: Enhancing Patient Safety through Consumer-Centric Regulations.’
The Minister emphasized the critical importance of prioritizing patient safety, embracing innovative strategies to improve drug safety, addressing the growing issue of counterfeit medications, and fostering public trust through effective drug regulation policies.
Raising public awareness about identifying counterfeit drugs, reporting suspicious products, and understanding associated risks is fundamental to Karnataka’s strategy. Health campaigns, workshops, and collaborations with medical professionals could significantly boost consumer awareness and promote responsible medication usage, remarked several delegates at the gathering.
From the regulatory perspective, Karnataka’s drugs controller, Dr. Umesh S, stated that the state’s enforcement officers are efficiently applying statutory provisions to safeguard public health.
Karnataka is regarded as one of the top states in the country for regulatory compliance, with aspirations for further excellence. However, a shortage of drug inspectors, with 102 positions unfilled, remains a challenge, noted the Karnataka drugs controller.
Dr. BR Jagashetty, former National Adviser (Drugs Control) to MoHFW & CDSCO and ex-Karnataka state drugs controller, pointed out that despite the stringent regulations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, counterfeit drugs continue to surface in the market.
Dr. Jagashetty identified main factors contributing to the prevalence of fake medications, mentioning the high cost of authentic drugs, societal tolerance, and self-medication, leading to easy yet unreliable access to online drug information. Complex supply chains, weak regulatory execution, and inadequate technology for verifying genuine drugs add to the problem, he noted.
P. Ramesh, Deputy Drugs Controller at Bangalore HQ, underscored the importance of maintaining regular audits and inspections to uphold safety standards. Challenges exist for regulators when investigating counterfeit drug cases due to their striking resemblance to genuine drugs, often misleading in branding and packaging, which complicates detection at the market level. This necessitates stronger compliance systems.
Ramesh also highlighted the Jan Vishwas Bill (2022), stating, “The Act aims to decriminalize and compound the D&C Act, intending to alleviate the regulatory load on businesses. Nevertheless, ensuring public safety and preventing the misuse of spurious drugs remains crucial.”