FREINDS claims seizure of spurious drugs
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 20 2012: Volunteers of Federation of Regional indigenous Society (FREINDS) reportedly seized spurious drugs from a pharmaceutical outlet besides coming across pharmacy at a private hospital complex selling 'note for sale' medicines.

speaking to newspersons today FREINDS president Sapamcha Jadumani contended that its volunteers recently red-handed a pharmacy in Langol area selling Etomidate Lipuro injection inspite of expiry date of the said drug put in the label as April 12, 2012 .

Upon enquiry the pharmacist revealed that local representatives of the Germany-based company assured substantial commission amount for sale of the drug priced at Rs 490, Jadumani claimed while informing that administration of the injection after the expiry date is life threatening.

He also contended that another pharmacy near RIMS Hospital had been selling Normal Saline Sodium Chloride injection at Rs 68 per piece even though the same medicine should be made available to a purchaser at Rs 17.98 .

Citing record maintained by the pharmacy of over 50,000 bottles of the medicine having been sold in the recent past, Jadumani doubting composition of the medicine opined that laboratory testing should be carried out to determine whether there is excess of Ringei Lactate.

Further informing that Certofixtrio, a Government-controlled drug is being sold at Rs 700-800 by a pharmacy attached to a private hospital inspite of its actual price of Rs 2775, he demanded investigation to expose nexus between State Government officials and the private medical centre.

Moreover, sale of the drug has already been prohibited by the Government of Manipur, maintained the president who accused incompetency of Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association for the pharmacy selling the controlled item.

FREINDS advisor Dr Khomdon Lisam, who was also present at the media briefing said apart from pulling up pharmacy selling drugs beyond the prescribed rate periodical laboratory testing should be initiated to confirm content/composition of life saving drugs.

He suggested that pharmaceutical companies found indulging in fraudulent practice should be banned/sealed immediately to prevent loss of life.

According to Human Resource Development secretary Pebam Premkumar a number of pharmacy continue to sell spurious and expired drugs to the public with the sole aim of earning high profit at the expense of the patient/patient parties.

Highlighting threat posed to the life of the Manipuri citizens, he desired that an effective mechanism be put in place to check such malpractices.

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