Quality control for life-saving generic drugs absent, govt apathetic

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Sep 16, 2014: In times when the Indian government is pushing generic drugs as they are cheaper and, therefore, more affordable, there seems inadequate attention on ensuring the quality protocol of these drugs.  

 

A case in point is a life-saving drug, Liposomal Amphotericin B, which is used to treat fungal infections in critically-ill patients. Several doctors say while the need for the drug is obvious, the drug controller general of India (DCGI) has failed to ensure that pharmaceutical companies manufacturing the generic version of this drug carry out proper tests. In fact, a government-appointed expert committee had recommended action against the erring pharma companies.

A letter from VM Katoch, the director general of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to the DCGI on June 4, calling for action against companies manufacturing and marketing untested Liposomal Amphotericin B is in circulation.