Karnataka to track cancer patients after fake drug bust
In order to make it easy for laboratories, doctors, and pharmaceutical firms to differentiate between fake and original drugs, the department has written to the headquarters of Pfizer to release their reference standards, says Health Minister U.T. Khader
In Karnataka, Health Department officials are now tracking cancer patients after the seizure of counterfeit drugs. Licences of 16 retail and wholesale pharmaceutical firms have been cancelled, and eight licenses have been suspended. Health Minister U.T. Khader, speaking to The Hindu, revealed that officials will contact cancer patients from private hospitals across the state to check their health status, suspecting they may have unknowingly purchased counterfeit drugs.
Khader emphasized that government hospitals do not sell fake drugs, negating the need for tracking patients. The department has written to Pfizer for reference standards to differentiate between fake and original drugs, but the company has not responded yet. The minister further stated that the government's role is limited to permitting drug manufacturers and controlling what is sold in medical shops.
The investigation into counterfeit drugs is ongoing, and Khader hinted at potential charges under Section 105 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for manufacturers, distributors, pharmaceutical firms, and medical store owners if they intentionally supply drugs that could cause death or serious bodily injury. An all-India health conclave will be held in Bengaluru during the third week of October, bringing together health ministers from all states, FSDA officials, FSSAI officials, and other stakeholders to address issues such as counterfeit drugs.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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