Karnataka Minister Seeks Stricter Criminal Action Against Spurious Drug Makers, Considers Murder Charges
Mangaluru: Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader has called for stringent criminal action against people involved in manufacturing and trading spurious medicines, stating that cancellation of licences or imposition of fines alone would not be adequate for offences that put human lives at risk.
Describing the incident as an “eye-opener,” Khader said the Karnataka government would urge the Centre to amend the existing laws so that those involved in the manufacture and distribution of fake medicines could face serious criminal charges, including attempt to murder or murder, as their activities were endangering human lives.
Speaking to The New Indian Express, Khader stated that a preliminary inquiry had found that the fake medicines were manufactured in different states and transported to Karnataka, before being supplied to various parts of the country. The findings have raised concerns about an interstate network involved in the movement and distribution of spurious medicines.
Following discussions with the Chief Minister and Home Minister, the Karnataka government decided to constitute a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. The team will comprise police officers and officials from the Drugs Control and Commercial Taxes departments. The SIT will also examine the source of the invoices and vouchers allegedly used in the operation.
The government has already ordered the withdrawal of the seized batch of counterfeit medicines from hospitals and medical shops. Khader said the SIT would investigate the seizure of counterfeit medicines valued at more than Rs 5 crore at Bidadi. He added that the racket appeared to have interstate links and said those responsible would not be spared.
Khader further added that the state government was considering establishing a high-end laboratory or partnering with an existing laboratory to conduct random quality tests on medicines collected from factories, hospitals and pharmacies.
The minister also mentioned that he had written to the Union Health Minister, seeking the deputation of a Central Drug Surveillance Officer to assist the state authorities in the investigation. He added that since the value of the seized medicines exceeds Rs 5 crore, the Centre may also order a CBI probe into the case, reports The New Indian Express.
The Karnataka government is continuing its investigation through the SIT while examining the interstate movement of the suspected spurious medicines, the invoices and vouchers associated with the operation and the wider network allegedly involved in their manufacture and distribution.
