Question : SALE OF EXPIRED MEDICINES

(a) whether the expired medicines are being sold in the market reportedly have been unearthed in various States/Union-Territories of the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise alongwith the number of deaths caused by the use of such medicines;

(c) whether there is any stringent law/Act to check this malpractice;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not,the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the Government proposes to bring in any new law in this regard; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be enacted?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) & (b) Reports of expired medicines being sold in the market have been received from the States of Tamil Nadu, Mizoram, Assam and Tripura. A Statement containing the details in this regard is annexed. No report of deaths caused by such medicines has been received.

(c) & (d) The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules made thereunder regulate the sale of drugs. Sale and distribution of the expired drugs is prohibited under the said Act.

(e) & (f) Does not arise.