In order to curb production of spurious drugs, Government has tightened the existing legislation, bringing tougher penal provisions and empowering the state licensing authorities to take action against such manufacturers, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.
Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, while replying to supplementaries during Question Hour, said Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules have been tightened with introduction of provisions of a minimum 10-year jail term and life sentence in grave incidents.
He said there are no reports that many drugs produced by well-known pharma companies have been reported to be sub-standard. Ramadoss, however, requested members to apprise him of any such information.
"There are Central drug control authorities as well as state-level authorities and licensing authorities to grant licenses to drug manufacturers. Licenses are given to pharma companies only after it is ensured that they comply with the conditions of the license," the Minister said.
He, however, added that due to long-distance transportation, difference in temperatures and improper storage, deterioration may occur in certain cases.
"The check on quality of drugs marketed in the country is carried out through random sampling by the drugs inspectors appointed by various state governments," Ramadoss said adding that India has the highest number of USFDA-approved drugs in the world outside the US.