Drug Inspector Suspended in Puducherry Over Alleged Negligence in Counterfeit Drug Crackdown
Puducherry: The Puducherry Government has suspended Drug Inspector Dr E Anandakrishnan, who was serving as the Controlling and Licensing Authority of the Department of Drugs Control, over alleged negligence in preventing the illegal manufacture, stocking and distribution of counterfeit medicines in the Union Territory.
The disciplinary action follows the registration of multiple criminal cases linked to fake drug manufacturing and distribution, including recent raids that uncovered counterfeit medicine operations with connections extending to overseas markets.
The suspension order, issued by Health Secretary Choudhary Mohammed Yasin, alleged that Dr Anandakrishnan failed to prevent the manufacture of spurious medicines despite repeated complaints. The government accused the officer of "systematic, prolonged and continued negligence," stating that he did not conduct regular field inspections or gather intelligence on unregistered and unlicensed manufacturing units. The order further stated that these lapses amounted either to deliberate omission or wilful neglect of official responsibilities.
According to the government, incidents involving counterfeit medicine rackets continued to emerge after Dr Anandakrishnan assumed charge as the Licensing Authority in 2022. The matter intensified following the recent bust of two illegal drug manufacturing units by the police. This came after a major crackdown last year, during which 26 persons were arrested from 13 locations in connection with counterfeit drug operations. The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The government maintained that timely and decisive enforcement action was not taken until external agencies intervened.
However, the suspension has drawn strong reactions from the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in the Union Territory. Representatives of the Pondicherry Drug Manufacturers Association (PDMA) described Dr Anandakrishnan as an upright and efficient officer who acted promptly against regulatory violations. Industry representatives stated that strict compliance measures, including mandatory 100 per cent batch testing and immediate sealing of defaulting manufacturing units, were implemented during his tenure to safeguard public health.
According to a recent media report by The Hindu, the suspension was ordered following allegations that the official failed to effectively curb the illegal manufacture and distribution of counterfeit medicines despite repeated complaints.
Following the suspension, the functioning of the Drugs Control Department has reportedly been severely affected. Trade sources stated that contractual drug inspectors have suspended routine market inspections, manufacturing unit audits and administrative processing. Since Dr Anandakrishnan was the only regular Drugs Inspector vested with controlling and licensing powers in the Union Territory, pharmaceutical manufacturers are facing delays in licence renewals, batch clearances and other statutory approvals. Departmental sources indicated that the government is considering appointing a senior pharmacy officer to take charge of the Drugs Controller's responsibilities to restore normal regulatory operations.
