A total of 344 such medicines were banned in 2018, and another 156, used for common conditions such as fever, allergies, hypertension, colds etc, earlier this month.
Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices 2024, which replaces a 2015 code, remains voluntary, with its implementation watched by ethics panel constituted by pharma associations.
Five-member panel suggests doctors can't be given brand reminders exceeding Rs 1,000 each, Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices to remain voluntary, but strengthened.
WHO may be probing allegations of 20 substandard paracetamol & cough syrups by 15 manufacturers from India, but these allegations seem to have little impact on export of medicines.
India is the world's third largest maker of drugs by volume, and US sales, which account for 30% of total pharma exports, have risen by 6.2% last year.
Drug maker Marion Biotech said it regretted the deaths and informed about the govt conducting an enquiry. 'We'll take action as per report,' the company's legal representative said.
Rising Covid-19 cases in China has surged demand for fever medicines & test kits. As one of the world's biggest drug makers, India is ready to step up exports, said Pharmexcil chairperson.
Nepal had sent a team to India in April and July to inspect the manufacturing facilities of pharmaceutical firms that had applied to supply their products to the neighbouring country.
Advice comes at a time when India accounts for a 5th of global generic drug supply & 40% of generics used in US. However, this strength in finished formulations relies on imported ingredients.
It’s easy to understand why the government can’t speak the hard truth. When this war ends, as all wars do, India’s interests will lie with both the winner and the loser.
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