BDCDA Urges Government Task Force to Tackle Counterfeit Drug Menace

Highlights:- 

• BDCDA calls for a high-level task force to fight counterfeit drugs
•   Counterfeit drug cases up 50 percent post-COVID due to weak enforcement
•  QR code system compromised, highlighting the need for regulatory reforms

Bangalore District Chemists & Druggists Association (BDCDA) has urged the Karnataka state government to establish a high-level task force for enforcement to deal with the increasing menace of spurious drugs. In a formal petition to the Chief Minister and concerned departments.

BDCDA President B. Thirunavukkarasu appealed for the deployment of senior IPS officials and enforcement staff of the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration (FDA) to spearhead statewide operations against spurious drug cartels.

Also Read: West Bengal Strengthens Pharma Safety Net with GPP Implementation by DCA

Thirunavukkarasu highlighted the seriousness of the issue, citing a 50 percent increase in counterfeit drugs post-COVID because of lenient enforcement, low-quality regulatory efforts, and enhanced demand for affordable medicines. He called the selling of counterfeit drugs "national public health terrorism" and said it threatens public safety and India's global pharma reputation.

BDCDA has volunteered to extend active assistance to the drive for enforcement through consultations, field-level liaison, and awareness campaigns. BDCDA also identified central gaps within the state FDA, namely pointing to the non-occupancy of 8 out of 112 authorized drug inspector positions.

The firm suggested severe punishment for offenders, closure of online shopping websites that have been involved in illegal trade of drugs, and the use of new technology to strengthen surveillance. The firm was also concerned with loopholes within the QR code system, which have been exploited by counterfeiters to make it ineffective as a verifier.

Additionally, BDCDA had mentioned the uncontrolled movement of counterfeit drugs through uncontrolled channels and websites and sought regulatory reforms at once to contain the e-pharmacy business.

Lastly, Thirunavukkarasu invited the state to organize a multi-stakeholder conclave and act with urgency and speed in safeguarding the consumers, re-establishing people's confidence in the healthcare sector, and making a secure pharma supply chain.