THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: About 10 per cent of the drugs manufactured in the country are sold in Kerala. However, there is hardly any quality control taking place in the state. Only 5% of the drugs that arrive here are being subjected to quality control. This creates a serious situation in a state where the consumption of medicines is widespread. It even takes a month to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the complaints.
There are 26,798 registered medical stores in the state. According to Rule 51 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, all establishments must be inspected once a year. However, this is not possible at present. At present, 108 drug inspectors and 11 assistant drug controllers are required to ensure the quality of medicines and resolve grievances. There are currently only 47 inspectors and seven assistant drug controllers in the state. The department will be efficient if 61 inspectors and 4 assistant drug controllers arrive. assistant drug controllers have the authority to act on the reports of drug inspectors.
When there were 17,894 medical stores in 2011, a report by the government's Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms called for the immediate appointment of at least 15 drug inspectors and three assistant drug controllers. Even that has not yet been considered.
Number of drug inspectors in each district