Government Takes Various Measures To Ensure Quality Of Medicinal Products

The Government has taken various regulatory measures since 2019 to ensure the quality of medicines in the country. The key measures are as under:

The Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended providing that every Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (bulk drug) manufactured or imported in India shall bear Quick Response Code on its label. The stored data or information shall include the minimum particulars including Unique product identification code, Batch No, Manufacturing date, Expiry Date.

The Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended. The manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of 80 Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) drugs in India were prohibited in public interest after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
220 additional posts of various levels have been created including Joint Drugs Controller, Deputy Drugs Controller, Asst. Drugs Controller and Drugs Inspector in the year 2022-23.

Further, Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched a scheme, namely, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP). Under the scheme, Generic Medicines are sold through dedicated outlets namely Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras (PMBJKs). It is an initiative of Government of India towards making an impact on common masses to provide quality medicines at affordable prices. As on 30.06.2022, 8,742 Janaushadhi Kendras have been opened across the country and the product basket of PMBJP comprises 1,616 drugs and 250 surgical items.

The Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar stated this in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on 19 July.