Maharashtra Health Department To Use Counterfeit Drug Detection Devices To Ensure Quality Of Medicines In Govt Hospitals

Mumbai: Health Minister Prakash Abitkar announced a stringent plan to ensure the quality of medicines in Maharashtra's government hospitals by deploying counterfeit drug detection devices. During a high-level meeting at the Health Services Directorate, the Minister stressed the state's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and vowed to maintain the highest standards of medicine quality for citizens.

Portable drug detection machines will be used for primary screening of medicine stocks in all state health institutions. Dedicated teams of trained pharmacists will conduct these checks, visiting facilities from primary health centers to regional hospitals across Maharashtra's eight health circles. Pharmacists will undergo specialized training for the use of these devices, with the first phase of primary screening planned for completion in three months.

Additionally, an independent laboratory system will be established to rigorously test the quality and compliance of medicines supplied by vendors. The meeting was attended by key officials including the CEO of the State Goods Procurement Authority, Health Directors, and a Joint Director.