Sub-standard drugs still floating in market: DGDA

Ten pharmaceutical companies continue marketing their sub-standard products violating a High Court order, according to Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA).

The HC on Monday ordered the government to stop the marketing of sub-standard drugs of 20 pharmaceutical companies and antibiotics of 14 others and to withdraw those products from the markets.

Of the total 34 drug companies, the products of 10 companies are still available in the market, DGDA Director General Maj Gen Mustafizur Rahman said while addressing a press conference at his office today.

The companies are Avert Pharma Ltd, National Drug Pharma Ltd, Spark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Today Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Kafma Pharmaceuticals Ltd, North Bengal Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Millat Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Save Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Indo-Bangla Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Pharmatik Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

He, however, said that they have started drives to seize the sub-standard drugs.

“We will strictly enforce the action against the companies soon after we receive a copy of the High Court verdict and the direction of the ministry (health ministry),” he said.

On June 15, the Appellate Division upheld an HC order asking the government to halt the production of sub-standard drugs and antibiotics by these manufacturers.

Earlier, Human Rights and Peace for Bangladesh submitted a petition on July 31, saying medicines of the 34 companies were still in the market.