Substandard drugs
Illegal drug promotion and marketing of substandard and unnecessary drugs in Bangladesh were very common before 1982. Instead of producing essential drugs, most drug manufacturers manufactured nonessentials such as vitamins, tonics, enzymes, gripe waters and cough mixtures.
Of the 300 pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh, only the 20 to 25 top ones produce drugs of standard quality. Numerous small companies market substandard drugs in the country. Spurious or substandard medicines, including lifesaving ones, with an estimated worth of US$ 150 million per year, are flooding the domestic market. Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is a major criterion to maintain the quality of drugs, and it was one of the principal objectives of the National Drug Policy to ensure standard manufacturing practices for drug manufacturers. But there are some 265 pharmaceutical companies in Bangladesh that do not follow or comply with GMP. It is alleged that adulteration flourishes in the country because of poor government vigilance and supervision over drug manufacturers and sellers. Unfortunately, a section of corrupt physicians and government officials is involved in these underhand dealings. The government states that it has limited workforce and facilities to handle difficult situations with the country's fast expanding pharmaceuticals sector. In fact, the regulatory authorities have given scant attention to quality in Bangladesh. Inadequate supply of essential drugs, substandard quality, uncontrolled drug prices and inappropriate uses of drugs are major problems in Bangladesh. The drug control authorities should be better equipped and more vigilant to handle difficult situations.
Health professionals and drug manufacturers should be more committed to achieving the goals of the National Drug Policy.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments