The Karnataka government is pushing for the establishment of a special court to try cases involving the sale of spurious medicines. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao made the announcement in the Legislative Council on Monday, where he underlined fears regarding the delay in dispensing justice.
Delay in legal proceedings
Responding to a question by Member of Congress S Ravi, Rao was dismayed at the languid pace of action against participants in the marketing of spurious drugs. He pointed out that in most instances, the guilty have very little to show by way of penalty, the sole "penalty" being an extended court hearing.
Even courts have not taken such cases seriously and sitting in the court for 6 to 8 hours is the only punishment for them (accused in the cases) now.Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health and Family Welfare Minister
Financial fines and drug recall policy
To check the dealers of spurious medicines, the government has introduced a policy of recalling medicines so that companies involved in producing spurious medicines incur losses.
Official statistics tabled in the House suggest that 20 cases have been registered against companies dealing in spurious medicines during the past three years. “We are also bringing in drug recall policy so that fake medicine suppliers/manufacturers suffer financially,” he said.
Challenges with the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT)
Rao also faulted the Karnataka Administrative Tribunal (KAT) for continuously issuing stays in such matters. He referred to a recent example where doctors posted back to hospitals from the Food Safety Department opposed their reposting to KAT and got a stay order.
We will take steps to get the stay vacated. The services of these doctors are required in hospitals and they don’t need to be doctors to work as food safety officersDinesh Gundu Rao, Health and Family Welfare Minister
Doctors as Food Safety Officers
In response to a query by JD(S) member T.A. Saravana, Rao disclosed that 27 doctors are now working as food safety officers on deputation. He emphasized their priority duty in hospitals and expressed intentions of lifting the stay order and restoring them to medical work.
With demands for a special court and stricter punishments, the Karnataka government is sending out a clear message of seriousness in addressing the increasing threat of spurious drugs in the state.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)