Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 27: Government today informed the High Court that the concerned authorities are taking a comprehensive mechanism with all checks and balances for regulating the trade of drugs in Jammu and Kashmir.
This has been submitted by the Deputy Drug Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organization Kashmir in reply to the plea filed by one Naveed Riaz alleging sale and distribution of misbranded and spurious drugs in J&K.
As the PIL has been taken up for further consideration, the Advocate General has submitted that the petitioner has leveled serious allegations in the petition which would warrant immediate reply on behalf of the Government as such has submitted before the Division Bench that the reply is ready and same be filed before the registry by tomorrow.
It has been submitted that comprehensive mechanism with all checks and balances for regulating trade of drugs yet, the petitioner while picking up a few unknown names of some companies, had tried to create an impression as if there is a gross misuse of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
It is contended that the petitioner has filed the instant petition without a sense of responsibility and the allegations raised are too vague and insufficiently articulated for taking cognizance in the matter.
In reply to the contents raised in the PIL it has been submitted that, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India decided to conduct a “Survey of Extent of Problems of Spurious and Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) Drugs in The Country” in order to estimate proportion of specific critical quality standards at different points of supply chain and estimate proportions of Spurious and Not of Standard Quality Drugs (NSQ) in the country.
“That a robust training program for Sample Drawing Officers played an important role in the successful conduct of the Survey. To complete the training program in efficient, uniform and time bound manner, trainers were trained centrally at NIB, who in turn imparted training to sample collection teams comprising of State and Central Drug Inspectors and representatives of Civil Society/Pharmacy Council of India”, reads the reply.
Authorities submit that the concerns of the petitioner are without any reasonable logic as he has no instance to quote that the authorities have adopted an immune approach towards their lawful duties. “The department is visible to the end – users through Website, complaint redressal mechanism and all complaints received are attended to the entire satisfaction of end – users. The proactive approach of the department during pandemic can be adjudged by its public friendly approach”, the reply further reads.
It was further added that the department has carried out an extensive market check and found that the drugs in circulation are manufactured by companies who have established credentials. However, as an abundant precaution notices have been served to all the companies about whom the petitioner has casted doubts.
The response was reply to the PIL seeking immediate ban the on sale and distribution of drugs manufactured and distributed by unregistered companies in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and initiation legal proceedings against the erring companies and individuals by the concerned authorities.
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