Drug inspectors in UP will now be authorised to test the chemicals used in the manufacturing of medicines and syrups. If any adulterated or fake medicines are found, inspectors can immediately file a First Information Report (FIR) against the concerned firm. Earlier, this provision did not exist. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob has issued directives to all drug inspectors in this regard.
Alert in UP After Child Deaths Linked to Cough Syrup in MP and Rajasthan
Following reports of child deaths due to contaminated cough syrups in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh has declared an alert. Starting Monday (6 October), all drug inspectors have been ordered to conduct checks on cough syrups. In a directive issued on Tuesday, Commissioner Dr Roshan Jacob instructed that inspections must be continuous and rigorous.
The Health Department has also advised that cough syrup should not be used for children below five years of age. Medical store owners have been directed not to sell any cough syrup without a doctor’s prescription. Strict action will be taken against those who sell cough syrups without prescriptions.
Testing of Active Ingredients and Manufacturing Units
Dr Jacob further directed that in various drug formulations, besides active ingredients, other components are also used, which, if contaminated, can make medicines harmful. Therefore, the active ingredients in cough syrups must also be tested.
Manufacturing units producing syrups or medicines should be regularly inspected, and samples of the chemicals used in production should be collected and tested. Inspectors are also instructed to verify the purchase records of these chemicals.
If any person or firm is found involved in adulteration or using fake names or addresses for the sale or purchase of medicines, an immediate FIR should be registered. The sale of expired medicines must be strictly prohibited.
Joint Raid Uncovers Fake Drug Factory
On Tuesday (7 October), acting on complaints about narcotic drug misuse, a joint team of the Drug Department, Punjab Narcotics Department, and local police raided a firm on Birhana Road. The team recovered fake medicines worth ₹5 lakh.
Shockingly, batch numbers, expiry dates, and MRP labels were being printed on the fake drugs at the site. The team also seized a printing machine and ₹29 lakh in cash. The firm’s director fled during the raid.
Fake Medicines for Fever, Stomach Pain, and Gas Seized
During the raid, it was discovered that Rahul’s firm was selling fake medicines for gas, stomach pain, fever, and antibiotics, as well as injections, six types in total, valued at around ₹5 lakh.
Fake labelling was being done inside Rahul’s house, where the counterfeit medicines were packed in branded company boxes printed locally. Officials suspect the drugs were either produced elsewhere or purchased in bulk and repackaged under the names of reputed pharmaceutical companies for sale.
Authorities believe these fake medicines were primarily being supplied to rural areas.
