With no one to check, sales of counterfeit drugs rise
The proliferation of counterfeit drugs on the global market and easy availability via online pharmacies is an increasing problem. The makers of counterfeit drugs have enjoyed and profited from loopholes in a system designed to deliver healthy medicines to those in need. The rising cost of prescription medications and the ubiquitous presence of online and overseas pharmacies means more people than ever are threatened by these counterfeiting operations.CHENNAI: A shortage of drug inspectors and the poor functioning of the intelligence cell are the major causes for the rise in sale of spurious and fake drugs in the state, according to sources in the Tamil Nadu Drug Control Administration (TNDCA).
According to the sources, since 1982 no new drug inspector has been appointed. There are only around 40 drug inspectors in the state as against the sanctioned strength of 75.
By Vivek Narayan
8 June 2008