KANNUR: The state is seriously failing to ensure the quality of not only food products and food items but also medicines. There are only 47 officers to inspect 30,500 medical stores in the state.
In the past year, they have inspected only 200 medical stores. Still, 60 cases were filed from the raids conducted. These include expired medicines and those that are spoiled due to improper storage.
A drug inspector is required to collect 23 samples a month and send them for testing. Vigilance had found irregularities in that also. 13 samples are collected from a single medical shop instead of collecting the medicines from different medical stores. Earlier it was enough to collect 13 samples a month.
In the state, more than one medical store is functioning even in a village, so the officials are not able to reach everywhere. There are also limited number of vehicles for offices. Although there is an enforcement wing and an analytical wing to check medical stores and labs, their functioning is ineffective.
Joint inspection to be done in collaboration with the Central Drugs Control Standards Organization to give license to drug manufacturing companies and blood banks is also limited.
Poison permits are issued for the use and sale of poisonous substances such as cyanide, methanol, chloral hydrate etc. but no further inspection is conducted.
Influx of medicines to Kerala
“For the smooth functioning of the Drugs Control Department, steps should be taken to improve the facilities along with the appointment of more officers.”, said PH Shaji, state president of Drugs Control Enforcement Officers Association.
If inspection is not conducted: