An inspection by the Delhi Drugs Control Department uncovered four wholesale drug firms breaching the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs Rules, 1945. This led to the confiscation of illegally stored insulin preparations valued at Rs 20 lakh. The inspection was part of a special enforcement drive in a wholesale drug market initiated by Delhi Health and Family Welfare Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh to ensure the availability of safe and quality medicines to the public.
Officials searched the premises of six wholesale drug firms during the inspection. They discovered a significant quantity of insulin preparations, such as Tresiba FlexTouch 100 U/ml Pen, Glaritus 100 U/ml Cartridges, Humalog Mix50 KwikPen 100 U/ml, Apidra SoloStar 100 U/ml, and Toujeo SoloStar 300 U/ml, with defaced inscriptions on labels intended for government or institutional supply. The firms were unable to provide valid purchase records for the stock. Moreover, two firms were found storing insulin preparations at room temperature, contrary to prescribed storage conditions requiring strict cold chain maintenance.
A total of 2,104 units of insulin preparations worth Rs 20,06,024 were seized during the enforcement drive. Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of safe and effective medicines for citizens. He highlighted the Delhi government’s dedication, under Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, to maintaining stringent regulatory oversight on drug storage and distribution. Violations related to critical medicines like insulin will face strict legal action.
Following the inspection, two firms have been charged for violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs Rules, 1945. Additionally, drug samples have been collected for testing and analysis to verify their quality and compliance with standards. The Delhi Drugs Control Department reiterated its dedication to protecting public health and ensuring adherence to statutory provisions concerning the storage and distribution of life-saving medications.
