India’s lawmakers are set to consider a new drugs bill next week, focusing on regulations surrounding the import, manufacturing, and sale of medicines. The decision comes in the wake of a tragic cough syrup scandal that prompted the country to reassess its pharmaceutical practices.
India, known as the “pharmacy of the world,” faced a dent in its reputation after cough syrups manufactured in the country were connected to the deaths of at least 89 children in Gambia and Uzbekistan last year.
The proposed bill aims to establish stringent standards for the “quality, safety, efficacy, performance, and clinical trial of new drugs.” Its objective is to ensure the highest regulatory standards and foster transparency within the regulatory framework, as stated in the parliamentary notice.
The specific changes introduced in the Drugs, Medical Devices, and Cosmetics Bill, 2023, which will replace the previous drugs law if approved by parliament when it reconvenes on July 20 after a break, have not yet been disclosed.
India’s pharmaceutical industry, valued at $41 billion, is among the largest globally and has long been recognized for providing affordable alternatives to Western products, particularly benefiting poorer and developing nations.
However, recent incidents involving cough syrup-related deaths and a case where a US-linked eye drop manufactured in India was associated with three fatalities have tarnished the industry’s reputation.
Since last month, India has implemented mandatory testing for cough syrup exports. The companies responsible for manufacturing the syrups linked to the tragic incidents in Gambia and Uzbekistan have denied any wrongdoing.
