THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (d): There are no reports of circulation of large number of spurious
and sub-standard drugs across the country. Isolated cases are detected in
different states through surveillance and sampling of suspected drugs. On
the basis of the testing of samples, the percentage of spurious drugs has
been found to be only 0.2% to 0.3% and that of sub-standard drugs 4.7% of
the suspected drug samples. A Statement containing the details of raids
conducted along with the number of such cases detected and action taken
against the offenders during the years 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12
State/UT wise annexed.
(e): The Government has taken following measures to check the problem of
Spurious / Sub-standard Drugs.
1. The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 has been amended by the Drugs &
Cosmetics (Amendment) Act 2008 providing for stringent penalties for
manufacture of spurious and adulterated drugs. Certain offences have
also been made cognizable and non-bailable.
2. The guidelines have been framed for taking action on samples of
drugs declared spurious or not of standard quality in the light of
enhanced penalties under the Drugs & Cosmetics (Amendment) Act, 2008.
3. The Drugs & Cosmetics (Amendment) Act, 2008 also provided for
setting up of designated courts for speedy trial of drug related offences.
14 States / Union Territories have already set up such Courts.
4. A Whistle Blower Scheme has been initiated by the Government
to encourage vigilant public participation in the detection of
movement of spurious drugs in the country. The scheme provides for
suitably rewarding the informers for providing concrete information
in respect of movement of spurious drugs.
5. The inspectorate staff has been instructed to keep vigil and
draw samples of drugs for test and analysis to monitor the quality
of drugs moving in the country.
