Depts of health, pharma begin consultation to introduce quality mark for generic drugs

Departments of Health and Pharmaceuticals have launched a process to introduce quality mark for the generic drugs by starting consultation with the stakeholders on the proposal. The industry, however, does not appear to be very happy with the move.

A jointly held meeting by both the departments recently saw the leading pharma associations raising apprehensions about the proposal. The associations felt that it would not make much difference and cannot bring in any desired goal of further improving the quality of drugs in the country. Leaders of different associations attended the meeting, called by the pharma department.

As the first step, the departments are planning to introduce a logo of quality for those drugs under price control and produced by GMP compliant units. Later, it would cover the entire spectrum of generic drugs in the country. The logo, on the lines of ISI mark or Agmark for other goods, would help the consumers to distinguish between quality and sub-standard drugs. Necessary changes will be made in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act to ensure a provision in this regard, after more consultations, sources said.