The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) responded to a recent report by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), which identified over fifty drugs as being ‘not of standard quality’ (NSQ).
The IPA emphasized the importance of distinguishing between counterfeit and substandard drugs, warning that associating counterfeit products with legitimate pharmaceutical companies could cause serious reputational and financial harm.
Several drug companies have refuted the report’s claims, labelling the flagged drugs as counterfeit and asserting that these products were not manufactured by them. They maintained that their own products meet all quality standards.
Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the IPA stated, “The production of counterfeit drugs is a grave criminal offense that endangers public health. Wrongfully linking fake products to legitimate manufacturers has significant reputational and financial consequences. Additionally, such accusations damage India’s global image as a trustworthy supplier of medicines”.
Jain further stressed the need for a clear differentiation between NSQ and counterfeit drugs, considering this distinction is crucial for India’s international standing. He reiterated that the IPA is committed to collaborating with the government to enhance the regulatory framework and enforce strict actions against counterfeit drugs.
As reported by indiatvnews.com, Jain informed that India plays a vital role in the global pharmaceutical industry and is widely recognized as the pharmacy of the world. He noted that the pharmaceutical sector holds strategic importance for the country.
