Kashmir grapples with substandard drug crisis
Srinagar, Mar 18: Ghulam Ahmad Bhat, 58, of Srinagar has been suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) for the last three years.
Bhat relies on a daily dose of many medicines for relief.
But lately, his medication has not been offering its usual relief.
“The medicines used to open up my airways, but now it feels like I am breathing through a clogged pipe,” he said.
Bhat’s experience is a stark reminder of the growing anxieties plaguing Kashmiris over the quality of medicines available in the region.
His suspicions were first raised when his local pharmacy started offering a new brand of medicines at a suspiciously lower price.
Many Kashmiris share similar anxieties, especially with reports of deceptive packaging practices like white labels obscuring expiry dates.
The prevalence of health complications stemming from potentially compromised medications has become a pressing concern.
Reports reveal that every third person in Kashmir is suffering from life-threatening health issues, raising serious questions about the safety and efficacy of the drugs being consumed.
As per the official documents, 22 drugs were found substandard during 2023-24 (till January 2024) by Drug and Food Control Organisation J&K.
The drugs include Nuropose by Solar Pharmaceuticals, Restol-250 by Biosearch Organics, Propofol Injection IP 1% w/v
(HOSPITAL SUPPLY) by Jackson Laboratories, Dulax by Scott Edil Pharmacia Ltd, Gaacef-200 DT by Alexa Pharmaceuticals, Pantoprazole Gastro-resistant
tablets IP 40 mg (JKMSCL Hospital Supply Not for Sale) by Concept Pharmaceuticals, Predfast-4 by Comex Pharma, Bupivacaine Heavy (Hospital Supply) by Jackson Laboratories, Traxlab-MF by Laborate Pharmaceuticals India Ltd (Unit II), Neurocetamol by Indkus Biotech India, Codiclo S by Pinnacle Life Sciences Pvt Ltd, Bacillus Clausii Spores Suspension (Ebanipro Suspension) by Aarmed Formulation Pvt. Ltd, Dextrose Injection IP (5% w/v) 500 ml (JAN AUSHADHI) by Pharma Impex Laboratories Pvt, and Cufgul by Zoic Biotech among many others.
Last year, the Centre acted against 34 pharmaceutical companies for manufacturing substandard drugs.
Besides, inspections were carried out in 20 states and union territories including Jammu and Kashmir.
According to official sources, a lack of transparency and assurance in the quality of medicines has led to a growing sense of apprehension among the populace.
“Authorities should address these concerns promptly and implement stringent measures to prevent the circulation of substandard drugs, thereby safeguarding the well-being of the populace,” they said.
Meanwhile, Lotika Khajuria, the State Drugs Controller of J&K told Greater Kashmir that they have received numerous complaints regarding the use of white labels and drugs, and these issues have been resolved.
She said that they have been inspecting medicines in the market and have not found any substandard medicines or incorrect labels.
“The people in Jammu and Kashmir are vigilant and do not hesitate to complain,” she said.
Khajuria said that it was important to consume good quality medicines.
“We are collecting samples and conducting tests. There are various parameters to assess a medicine, some with 7 to 8 parameters and others with 10 to 12. If any parameter fails, we take appropriate action. We adhere to the guidelines issued by the Central Drug Authority and act under the Drug and Cosmetic Act,” she said.
Regarding white labels, Khajuria said that it pertains to pricing issues.
“If there are any issues with the labels, people should call us on the toll-free number 104. We will take necessary action,” she said.
