Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether Government is aware that a number of medicines are being prescribed in the country which are banned in foreign countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor; and
(c) the steps being taken by the Government to curb such practices?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) to (c): Import, Manufacture, Sale and Distribution of Drugs are regulated under the Drugs & Cosmetic Act 1940 and Rules made thereunder.
There are side effects of all drugs. Therefore, all drugs are approved and allowed to be manufactured and marketed in India based on their risk-benefit analysis.
A drug banned/restricted in one country may continue to be marketed in other countries as the respective Governments examine the usage, doses, indications permitted etc. and overall risk benefit ratio and take decisions on the continued marketing of any drug in that country.
Safety issues of drug formulations, as and when reported, are assessed in consultation with the Expert Committees / Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). Based on the recommendations of the Expert Committees/DTAB, the Government considers to take appropriate action to regulate/restrict/prohibit the manufacture, sale and distribution of such drugs in the country under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.