NEW DELHI: It was recently revealed that the central government has taken action against numerous pharmaceutical companies in India accused of manufacturing poor quality medicines. News agency PTI learned from official sources that the licenses of 18 pharmaceutical companies in the country have been revoked.
The decision was taken by the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) following an investigation into several companies in 20 Indian states. The DGCI had initiated the investigation following reports of deaths resulting from the consumption of cough syrup in countries such as Tanzania, Gambia and Uzbekistan in recent months.
Licences of 18 pharma firms cancelled for manufacturing spurious drugs following inspection by state and central regulators: Officials
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 28, 2023
According to the World Health Organization, about 300 children have died since August last year due to poor quality medicines manufactured in India. This has prompted the central government to take strict action against companies that manufacture counterfeit medicines.
The news agency ANI reports that the government has taken action against 70 pharmaceutical companies in Himachal Pradesh, 45 in Uttarakhand and 23 in Madhya Pradesh for manufacturing poor quality medicines. The crackdown is expected to continue and more companies will be investigated for similar charges.
Government of India cancels licenses of 18 pharma companies for manufacturing of spurious medicines following inspection by Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 76 companies across 20 States: Official sources
— ANI (@ANI) March 28, 2023
Revoking the licenses of these pharmaceutical companies is an important step in ensuring the safety and welfare of the public. It is a clear signal to the pharmaceutical industry that the government will not tolerate the production and sale of poor quality medicines in the country.