Shimla, May 18
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken a firm stance against the manufacturing of substandard drugs within the state, directing the state government to establish a mechanism for reviewing punishments imposed on guilty drug manufacturers. This directive arises from a suo motu Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the widespread production of low-quality medications in Himachal Pradesh.
A bench comprising Chief Justice MS Ramachandra Rao and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua emphasized the necessity of stringent oversight on the penalties for erring laboratories to ensure the production of standard-quality drugs for both domestic use and export. The court noted the persistent issue of substandard drug production despite state authorities’ actions, such as suspending product permissions and prosecuting offenders. Alarmingly, the bench cited instances of deaths in African countries linked to substandard drugs manufactured in Himachal Pradesh, underscoring the urgent need for stronger deterrents.
The court also addressed the non-functional state of two government-funded drug testing laboratories in Baddi, Himachal Pradesh. Despite significant investments from central and state governments, these laboratories remain inoperative. The bench criticized this situation, noting it as a waste of taxpayers’ money and urging the authorities to address the bottlenecks preventing these laboratories from becoming operational.
To tackle these issues, the court directed the Central and State governments to file a status report on the steps they will take to make the laboratories functional. Additionally, the court instructed the authorities to consider a mechanism for reviewing penalties imposed on drug manufacturers, aiming for more effective enforcement of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945, by pharmaceutical companies in the state.
The next hearing for this case is scheduled for August 28, 2024, where further developments and actions are expected to be reviewed.
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