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 Following the recent exposure of a massive multi-state counterfeit medicine racket that has been referred to the CBI and NIA, the Pondicherry Department of Drugs Control has launched an aggressive regulatory cleansing of the pharmaceutical sector to restore public trust and safety.
In a significant move to safeguard public health, the department has issued a directive mandating comprehensive quality testing for all drugs procured, stocked, and distributed within the Union Territory. The order comes as part of an intensified campaign to eliminate spurious and counterfeit medications from the market. This regulatory crackdown follows recent investigative findings and court orders regarding the illegal manufacturing of drugs in the region.
Dr E Anandakrishnan, the drug controller of the Union Territory, signed the directive, which targets all wholesale and retail license holders. The order also specifically applies to clinic-attached pharmacies and both public and private hospital stores. Under these new guidelines, all such entities are now required to ensure that every batch of drug product undergoes immediate quality testing.
The directive outlines strict procurement guidelines, requiring all firms to source drugs only from authorized manufacturers and distributors with valid licenses under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. Suppliers must provide valid tax invoices, e-way bills, and proof of licensing and GST registration. The Department emphasized that 100 percent batch-wise sampling is now mandatory, and no batch should be released for sale without a compliant lab report.
Dr Anandakrishnan’s order mandates that all samples be tested at laboratories approved and accredited by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The testing must confirm the identification, purity, and potency of the products, ensuring they meet established pharmacopoeial standards before reaching the public. This move is intended to verify that every medication dispensed in Pondicherry meets strict regulatory requirements for safety and efficacy.
In the event that a drug sample is found to be ‘Not of Standard Quality’ (NSQ), the order requires an immediate suspension of all sales and distribution for that specific batch. Entities must promptly notify the drugs control office of any such findings, providing full details of their stock and distribution history. This rapid reporting mechanism is designed to facilitate effective recall procedures and prevent substandard medicine from reaching patients.
To ensure full accountability, all pharmacies and hospitals are directed to maintain exhaustive traceability records of their procurement and distribution. Responsibility for complying with these quality control measures rests squarely with the individual license holders, whether they are operating as a wholesaler, retailer, or a hospital pharmacy. The Department has made it clear that these steps are essential for maintaining the integrity of the local pharmaceutical supply chain.
Non-compliance with the new mandate will be treated as a direct violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 and its subsequent rules. Dr Anandakrishnan warned that violations would lead to severe regulatory actions, including the suspension or cancellation of licenses and potential criminal prosecution. The department of drugs control continues to work with other government agencies, including the secretary of health and district collectors, to enforce these safety measures across the territory.
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