UP Govt Cracks Down on Counterfeit Medicines

The Uttar Pradesh government has intensified its crackdown on the illegal trade of counterfeit, substandard, adulterated and narcotic medicines in the state.

To ensure that patients receive safe and quality medicines, strict monitoring will now be carried out from the issuance of drug licences to the storage of medicines, billing practices and the entire supply chain.

The government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued detailed guidelines for effective action against illegal businesses operating under the cover of drug sale licences, licences obtained in the names of dummy individuals, fake billing, stock manipulation and networks dealing in counterfeit medicines.

In serious cases, action will not remain limited to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, but FIRs will also be registered under the relevant provisions of the BNS and NDPS Acts.

The SOP issued by Food Safety and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Roshan Jacob defines the responsibilities of Drug Inspectors and Licensing Authorities.

Under the new system, special monitoring will be carried out for codeine syrups, painkillers, fast-moving and high-value medicines, as well as medicines falling under the NDPS category.

In cases involving suspected medicines, backtracking will be conducted not only of the entire purchase and sale chain but also of bank transactions and digital records.

A thorough verification of the applicant and the firm's background will be conducted before issuing new wholesale drug licences.

Individuals previously involved in illegal drug trade will be prevented from obtaining fresh licences in the names of their spouses, siblings, parents, other close relatives or dummy persons.

Serious violators will be debarred from obtaining licences.

The role of their business partners and associates will also be examined.

In addition, drug sale licences will not be issued to establishments located in residential areas.

Physical inspections will ensure that the premises for which the licence is sought are genuinely being used for commercial activities.

Inspections will also verify whether the shop or establishment is being operated by the actual licence holder or whether another individual is conducting business in the licence holder's name.

Bank accounts, GST registration and other legal documents must also be in the name of the licence holder.

If it is established that a business is being operated by another person using a licence issued in the name of a woman or any other individual, action including suspension, cancellation of the licence and prosecution will be initiated.

Strict action will also be taken if medicines are found stored without a licence in basements, residential houses or rented rooms separate from the licensed premises.

Investigations will therefore not remain confined to the shop alone but will also examine potential locations where medicines may actually be stored.

The move is expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare sector in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that patients receive safe and quality medicines.

This initiative is part of the government's efforts to improve the overall healthcare system in the state and protect citizens from the harmful effects of counterfeit and substandard medicines.