Agartala: April 01: In the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, Tripura’s Chief Minister and Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Professor Dr. Manik Saha, responded to concerns raised by Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy regarding counterfeit drugs in the state. Dr. Saha revealed that one Drug Inspector position is currently vacant following the retirement of an official on November 30, 2024. He assured the Assembly that the government is addressing the issue of counterfeit drugs, which has become a significant concern across India.
During the session, MLA Roy highlighted alarming statistics from the Indian Medical Council, revealing that counterfeit drugs account for a staggering ₹20,000 crore worth of the market, with the issue being particularly widespread in Northeast India. Roy also asked whether the government plans to establish drug testing laboratories in the state’s eight districts and 23 subdivisions, as well as take steps to increase the number of Drug Inspectors.
In his response, Dr. Saha assured the House that the state government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary actions. He mentioned that 40 Drug Inspectors are currently overseeing surveillance in the state, with 18 directly recruited and six promoted. However, due to one official’s retirement, the position remains vacant.
Dr. Saha also addressed the ongoing investigation into the Bardhaman Pharma case, a significant issue related to counterfeit drugs. The investigation, filed by Drug Inspector Krishna Bhattacharya, is being handled in the Special Court of West Tripura, with the next hearing scheduled for May 5, 2025. Dr. Saha emphasized that the government is taking strict action against counterfeit drug activities and encouraged MLA Roy to inform them of any specific incidents for prompt action.
The Chief Minister’s response underscored the government’s commitment to combating counterfeit drugs and strengthening the healthcare system in Tripura.
