Maharashtra Health Department Forms Flying Squad To Crack Down On Counterfeit Medicines
**Maharashtra to Form Flying Squad to Curb Supply of Duplicate and Substandard Medicines in Government Hospitals**
*Mumbai:* The Maharashtra State Health Department has announced the formation of a flying squad aimed at cracking down on the supply of duplicate and substandard medicines in government hospitals across the state.
Led by a special officer, this squad will carry out surprise inspections at hospitals and primary health centres. Utilizing modern drug detection machines, which have already been procured by the state, the team will be able to test the quality of medicines on the spot.
“If medicines are found below prescribed standards, criminal cases will be filed against responsible officials, suppliers, and manufacturing companies,” said Health Minister Prakash Abitkar during a press briefing at Arogya Bhavan in Mumbai.
The minister highlighted recent incidents involving counterfeit and substandard medicines in areas such as Bhiwandi and Nanded. He further added that proposals will be tabled in the upcoming winter Assembly session to address existing loopholes and make the Health Department more transparent and patient-friendly. Special emphasis will be placed on curbing the circulation of counterfeit medicines.
Senior officials, together with the flying squad, will inspect hospitals under the jurisdiction of the Health Department, Medical Education Department, municipal corporations, and municipal councils. Stringent legal action will be initiated against anyone found responsible for supplying substandard medicines.
**Recent Lapses Highlighted**
Minister Abitkar pointed to recent lapses uncovered during inspections. Notably, around 1.5 lakh substandard antibiotic tablets were detected at Nanded Government Hospital during an FDA inspection. This led to the filing of FIRs against eight health officials, including the District Health Officer.
He warned that similarly strict actions will be taken against any future violations.
**Relaxation of Licensing Norms for Small Hospitals**
In a related development, the state government is considering relaxing certain provisions under the Bombay Nursing Act that govern licensing for small hospitals.
These reforms aim to simplify compliance requirements related to fire safety and staffing, thereby easing operational challenges faced by smaller healthcare facilities.
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This initiative underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of patients by guaranteeing the quality of medicines used in public healthcare institutions.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/maharashtra-health-department-forms-flying-squad-to-crack-down-on-counterfeit-medicines
