Government to bring stricter laws for counterfeit drugs menace


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.

NEW DELHI: Manufacturing and dealing in counterfeit drugs could invite a punishment of upto life term and a maximum fine of Rs 10 lakh in future, according to new guidelines being framed by the Union Health Ministry.

The guidelines being formulated as part of amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, have been finalised and would be sent to the Law Ministry for approval after which they would be presented in the Parliament during the monsoon session, senior Health Ministry officials said.

16 May 2008

Read the full story at indiatimes.com.