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The Government of India has banned 156 drugs, including painkillers, multivitamins, and antibiotics commonly used for treating fever and colds.
An official comment from the Union Health Ministry is awaited. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has endorsed the government's decision. Sudarshan Jain, Secretary General of the IPA, told ANI, "This has been ongoing for many years, with committees such as the Kokate Committee and the Nilima Kshirsagar Committee reviewing the matter extensively. This is a right step taken in the interest of patients, considering all aspects." When asked about the impact on pharmaceutical companies, Jain said, "They have been given the opportunity to provide data supporting their products. Those with adequate supporting data will continue, while companies lacking such data will have to withdraw their products." The list of banned drugs also includes medications used for hair treatments, antiparasitic purposes, skincare, and anti-allergic treatments. These medicines are Fixed Dose Combination (FDC) drugs, also known as cocktail drugs, which combine more than one drug into a single pill. According to a Gazette notification issued by the government announcing the ban, "The matter was examined by an Expert Committee appointed by the Central Government, which reviewed the entire issue thoroughly and deemed these FDCs as irrational. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board also examined these FDCs and recommended that there is no therapeutic justification for the ingredients contained in them, and they may pose risks to human beings." The notification further stated, "In the larger public interest, it is necessary to prohibit the manufacture, sale, or distribution of these FDCs under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Based on the recommendations of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to prohibit the manufacture for sale, sale, and distribution for human use of the said drugs in the country." Among the banned combinations is the FDC of Amylase + Protease + Glucoamylase + Pectinase + Alpha Galactosidase + Lactase + Beta-Gluconase + Cellulase + Lipase + Bromelain + Xylanase + Hemicellulase + Malt diastase + Invertase + Papain, which has been prohibited with immediate effect. (ANI)
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