Only 47 drug inspectors to monitor Rs 15,000 crore medicine market in Kerala

MALAPPURAM: Even as substandard medicines and cosmetic products are widely sold in the state, there are only 47 drug inspectors to conduct inspections. Due to staff shortage, only about 1000 samples can be collected every month for testing.

Around 2.5 lakh batches of medicines from various companies reach the Kerala market every year. The annual sales value is about Rs 15,000 crore.

Nearly 98 percent of the medicines sold in the state are manufactured in other states. A report submitted in 2013 had recommended the immediate creation of 15 drug inspector posts, but no action was taken.

A proposal from the Administrative Reforms Department to urgently create 10 drug inspector posts and two regional inspector posts has also remained pending. No new posts have been created since 1998. Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, all licensed establishments must be inspected at least once a year by a drug inspector.

Drug inspectors are also responsible for issuing licences and conducting follow-up inspections for homoeopathic and allopathic medical stores and cosmetic manufacturing units. They also handle registration of medical device units, licensing of blood banks and storage units, and court duties.

Substandard and fake products are most commonly found among antibiotics, painkillers, cough syrups, sexual enhancement drugs, and cosmetic products.

One inspector for three taluks
1. At present, one drug inspector is responsible for up to three taluks. Two inspectors share a single vehicle.
2. Their main duties include identifying and taking action against adulterated and substandard medicines, withdrawing drugs banned by the central government from the market, and ensuring price control of medicines.
3. Drug testing laboratories are located in Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Thrissur, and Konni. However, there are only 57 analyst posts in total, making it difficult to complete testing on time.

• Sale of medicines in a year- Rs 15,000 crore
• Sale of cosmetic products in a year- Rs 1500 crore
• 2.5 lakh batches of medicines reach the market annually
• Number of medical stores operating in the state- 29,000