Drugs Control Department keeps its eyes shut
STATE TIMEs NEWS
JAMMU: Following the subsequent recovery and purchase of sub-standard drugs by Indian System of Medicine (ISM) Department, the State Government has ordered attachment of Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, Director General, Indian System of Medicine.
According to Government Order No. 1310-GAD of 2016 issued by General Administration Department, “pending inquiry into the matter related to purchase of sub-standard drugs in the Directorate of Indian System of Medicine, Dr. Abdul Kabir Dar, Director General, Indian System of Medicine is attached in the Health and Medical Education Department, with immediate effect.”
The charge of the post of Director General, Indian System of Medicine shall be held by the Secretary to the Government, Health and Medical Education Department, in addition to his own duties, till further orders, the order states.
On September 10, this year, involvement of Department of Drugs Controls Jammu was exposed when a huge quantity of spurious, sub-standard and fungal infected drugs and medicines, procured by Department of the Indian System of Medicine (ISM), were seized during simultaneous raids in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts.
During the raids carried out by State Vigilance Organisation (SVO), Central Store of ISM Department was sealed as it was found locked. At other centres, a huge quality of drugs, especially Prostratefort, natural herbal supplement and Kaishore Guggulu fully fungal infested and not fit for the human consumption were seized.
A retired doctor said, ” The Drugs and Food Control Organisation headed by a junior officer of the rank of Assistant Controller has turned to be a hub of corruption. Some unscrupulous staffers of Drugs Control Department are on pay role of storekeepers of government medicine stores and drugs’ suppliers. So, there is no check on the quality of medicines being given to poor patients”.
Already the Incharge Drugs Controller, who managed her posting despite being junior most, is facing charges of supply of spurious drug “Amoxcilion 425” to various hospitals of J&K government. An FIR in this regard is already registered with Crime Branch wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police.
“How a tainted officer continue to head Drugs Control department which has responsibility to check the quality of medicines being given to patients in entire state?, asked a social activist.
