THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There is serious negligence in ensuring drug safety, which is as crucial to the lives and health of the people as food safety. With over a quarter of a million medical stores and an annual turnover of over Rs 6,000 crore, the Drugs Control Department continues to be inactive in examining the safety and effectiveness of medicines in the health sector in Kerala. There are a total of 47 drug inspectors in the state. At least 61 more people are needed to make the test effective.

New posts are not being created on the pretext of a financial crisis. The file pertaining to this was returned during the term of the previous government as well. The post of Drug Inspector has not been created since 1998. The posts are still the same as when there was a lab only in Thiruvananthapuram. Labs were set up at Ernakulam and Thrissur but there are no inspectors there. The procedures of a new lab at Konni is in its final stages. In addition to medications, medical equipment and cosmetics should be checked.

In January, following a petition by social activist Kowdiar Harikumar, the chairperson of the state human rights commission, Justice Antony Dominic, directed that drug safety is the responsibility of the government and urgent action is needed, but to no avail.

No one to look into the complaint

17,894 medical stores in 2011, now 26,798

Only one inspector for 570 stores

There is no one to check the complaints even after a month

In 2011, the recommendation to create 15 posts was not implemented

Duties of the Inspector

Find contaminated and substandard medications and take action

An inspector should conduct 30 inspections per month

13 samples should be collected for statutory examination

Check stock in medical stores

Excessive price and counterfeit drug complaints should be investigated on the spot

Pharmacies in private hospitals should be checked

Four court duties per month