Patna: DGCA takes action against drug retailers

Close on the lines of an alleged drug syndicate being operated in the state capital of Bihar, The drug control administration (DCA) has taken serious action against the drug retailers or manufacturers. To bring home the stern message of no tolerance the DGCA has either cancelled or suspended their licenses.

All this action has been reported in Patna in a single day. The Times of India has earlier reported on the issue that a cancer drug syndicate was operating in Patna. The news-report was based on the contents of a drug inspector (DI)'s report which pointed an accusing finger at an IGIMS doctor and druggists running shops in the vicinity of the prestigious government hospital.

At least eight more drug shops of Govind Mitra Road are reported to be under the legal scanner, with an action to be soon reported on the matter.

The department sources have further implied that the as many pharma companies have not been able to produce the bills, their licenses have been cancelled. Few names quoted include the Naveen Pharma and National Pharma of Govind Mitra Road. In addition, the authorities also found expired drugs, improper bills during the raid.

As far as action on drug manufacturing firms is concerned, the license of Indian Pharmaceuticals' licence has been suspended for 60 days. As implied by the drug controller the firm is in a clear violation of operating under the Good Manufacturing Practices guidelines. It has been operating even after its production has been stopped for some time, as confirmed during the inspection by the drug controller team.

As reported by TOI, according the drug controller Ramesh Kumar, it has been confirmed that the licence of the Medigo Pharma, running from Sheikhpura Bagicha near the IGIMS, has been suspended. The department has also decided to lodge a prosecution case against it.

A retailer, Medigo Pharma would procure drugs from Ayon Healthcare, a marketing agency the office of which, according to the DI's report, is housed in the residence of the IGIMS oncologist.

"When we were conducting raids in December last, we stumbled upon the fact that this shop had started selling drugs much before it was licensed to do so. It also did not maintain proper bills," the drug controller told TOI on Tuesday.

The licence of Rishi Pharma on Govind Mitra Road was also suspended for 60 days for allegedly selling Thyroxine drug without a proper batch number. The licence of New Jyoti Medicine near IGIMS has also been suspended for 60 days for alleged irregularities. The licences of Anand Pharma and New Sahil Pharma of Bihari Sao Lane have been suspended for 90 and 75 days respectively for allegedly not maintaining proper bills.