Fake medicines, illegal pharmacies raise concern across Assam

The proliferation of counterfeit medicines and unregulated pharmacies has raised concern across Assam, with the Registered Pharmacists’ Association, Assam, calling for stricter enforcement and stronger legal action against those involved.

Safiur Rahman Khan, adviser to the Registered Pharmacists’ Association, Assam, said pharmacies were being established in an unregulated manner in several parts of the state, with many allegedly being operated by unqualified persons.

Although the Health Department has recently launched drives against counterfeit medicines and illegal pharmacies, Khan urged the authorities to intensify the crackdown and ensure stringent punishment for those found violating the law.

He said the government should amend the existing laws, if necessary, to ensure that offenders involved in the sale of fake medicines or operation of illegal pharmacies face strict punishment.

Khan also called for an increase in the number of drug inspectors in Nagaon district to strengthen monitoring and enforcement.

He further urged the state government to create dedicated posts of “Pharmacy Inspectors” and fill them at the earliest to help curb the growing market for counterfeit medicines and illegal pharmacies across the state.

“The government must take stronger and more effective measures to stop the spread of counterfeit medicines and illegal pharmacies and ensure that medicines reaching patients are safe,” Khan said.