In Gujarat, the state government is launching a new plan to combat the rise of fake and duplicate medicines. Health Minister Rishikesh Patel announced this initiative, aimed at protecting citizens from harmful drugs. Over the last four years, authorities have seized more than ₹6 crores worth of fake medicines and cosmetics. This includes around 75 individuals and groups involved in selling these harmful products.
Gujarat will become the first state in India to adopt a zero-tolerance policy against fake medicines with the implementation of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This SOP will ensure strict checks on medicines coming from outside the state. The government plans to open three new testing labs in addition to the existing one in Vadodara to strengthen the monitoring process.
The state’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been actively working to ensure that citizens receive high-quality medicines. Recent inspections revealed that fake medicines were entering the state and being sold. The FDA has already taken action against those involved.
The new SOP will include mandatory registration for all out-of-state medicines, registration for transporters carrying these medicines, and strict penalties for chemists and wholesalers caught selling fake products. Additionally, there will be closer monitoring of expensive and fast-moving medicines.
To improve efficiency in catching counterfeit drugs, the government is forming flying squads. These teams will act quickly to apprehend anyone involved in the sale of fake medicines. Recently, a flying squad seized fake medicines worth ₹20 lakh, including duplicates from leading companies.
The state has a vibrant pharmaceutical industry, with over 5,000 licensed manufacturers and more than 55,000 retail and wholesale shops. However, counterfeit drugs pose a serious risk to public health, and the government is committed to stopping their spread.
To further enhance its capabilities, the government plans to purchase ten advanced handheld devices for on-site testing. These devices will help quickly identify counterfeit drugs at the point of sale.
The transportation of fake medicines often involves unregistered couriers and low-priced sales without proper documentation. The government is working on a brainstorming session to strengthen regulations against this illegal practice. The FDA aims to gather input from stakeholders to improve its strategies and finalize the SOP.
In summary, Gujarat is stepping up its efforts to ensure that citizens have access to safe and effective medicines. With new procedures and strict enforcement, the government hopes to eliminate the threat of counterfeit drugs in the state. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to public health and safety in Gujarat.