Jammu, April 20 (Scoop News) –Minister of State for Health, Mr Shabir Ahmad Khan said that spurious drug ‘Amoxicillin Trihydrate’ IP batch No.PBT-1583 supplied to Health institutions in the state was referred to Crime Branch for detailed investigation adding that in parallel the matter is being referred to Vigilance Department to ascertain the role of various officials involved.
Speaking at a Press conference here today, the Minister informed that Drug Control Department through its drug testing laboratory revealed that Drug Amoxicillin Trihydrate IP batch 1583 manufactured in August 2012 supplied by M/S Life Line Pharmaco surgical has zero potency and hence failed the test.
The Health Minister said that subsequently all medicines of this make and batches were seized and no further use was allowed.
Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, B B Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Health and Medical Education, M. K. Dwivedi, Director Information, Zaffar Ahmad were also present during the Press Conference.
The Health Minister informed the media persons that an inquiry committee was set up on April 4, 2013 to submit the fact finding report in this matter within 15 days. He said the report was received on April 19, 2013 which was examined and it was found that the supplier firm M/S Life-Line Pharmaco Surgical has managed rate contract in their favour falsely using the name of Medley Pharmaceutical Ltd. He said Medley Pharmaceutical has clearly stated that they never authorized M/S Life Line Pharmaco surgical to take part in any tender business nor have they authorized marketing through this firm.
The Health Minister said hence it is clear that this firm has used forged and fake documents to participate on behalf of the Medley Pharmaceutical Ltd. He said on getting the rate contract the firm has got the medicines manufactured illegally from unauthorized manufacturing unit. He said all this is not only violation under Drugs and Cosmetic Act but also is a typical case of forgery and fraud.
The Health Minister said that the matter has been referred to Crime Branch for detailed investigation for taking action under provision of law. He said IGP Crime Branch has informed that a special team shall look into this matter and take necessary action.
The Health Minister said since purchase committee-II has handled the process of allotment of rate contract in favour of M/S Life Line Pharmaco surgical and they processed his case based on forged/fake documents.He said to ascertain the role of various members of the Purchase Committee IIthe members of the committee are being charge sheeted separately and after giving them due opportunity to explain their role and position necessary action shall be taken against the officials.
The Minister said similarly, the officials of Health and Government Medical College and Associated Hospitals who have received the supply without verifying the credentials of the manufacturer as per approval are also being charge-sheeted for negligence on their part and suitable action will be taken depending on their role at various levels.
The Health Minister said that in parallel the matter is being referred to Vigilance Department to ascertain the role of various officials involved. He said the Drug Controller Department has already been asked to proceed for prosecution under Drugs and Cosmetic Act and such provisions for strict action in the matter.
He said Health and Medical Education Department is determined not only to take action in the matter but also to bring about reforms in the system of procurement and distribution/ use of drugs to ensure that no such incident happens in future.