West Bengal Strengthens Pharma Safety Net with GPP Implementation by DCA

Key Highllights:-

• WB DCA launches GPP to combat fake and substandard medicines
• Medicines must be purchased only from authorized and traceable sources
• License, bank, and GST verifications are required to ensure authenticity

The introduction of Good Purchasing Practices (GPP) by the West Bengal Drugs Control Administration (WB DCA) is meant to contain the spread of fake and low-quality medicines in the state. This is meant to transform the entire procurement approach regarding pharmaceutical traders and certify that the medicines are fetched via bona fide and conspicuous distribution channels. The fresh amendment from the Director of Drugs Control, U.R. Ismail, acts as a blueprint for the wholesalers and retail sellers not to contravene ethical trade standards and keep up veracity and transparency while conducting transactional activities in relation to drugs and medicines on a day-to-day basis.

It is a prerequisite that they obey six cardinal steps meant to guarantee that products regarded as medicinal meet quality and authenticity standards. They will also need to check the QR codes of the 300 best-selling brands that fall under Schedule H2 as captured by the government's mandate in August 2023. Counterfeiting must be vigorously combated, and considerable effort should be made at this stage to prevent fake products from being perpetuated in the supply chain. They are also expected to procure the medicines only from registered stockers and C&F agents who are direct suppliers of the manufacturers.

As part of an effort to strengthen the inspection system, the WB DCA has directed wholesalers to confirm the validity of seller licenses on the official portals and keep the required documentation for inspection. Additionally, they are verifying bank account details and GST numbers of suppliers, especially for out-of-state parties, in order to mitigate financial and taxation malpractices.

Also Read: CDSCO Issues Guidelines for Disposing Expired and Unused Drugs Safely

This action comes after receiving reports about counterfeit drugs being sold in the markets of West Bengal and sourced from neighboring states. With the DCA’s efforts to restore the credibility of the pharmaceutical industry, it aims to safeguard the public's health and well-being. Even so, not all industry stakeholders seem to be on board. PTAB has expressed its displeasure at being sidelined without prior consultation or official correspondence. Secretary PTAB Pranab Kumar Chakraborty deemed the decision as administratively shallow, claiming it does nothing to tackle the actual issue at large.

Regardless of the criticism, the WB DCA refuses to budge from their stance, announcing the implementation of GPP in West Bengal will uphold order by eliminating fraudulent traders and uncivilized practices within the pharmaceutical industry supply chain.