LG orders CBI probe in 'substandard' drugs at Delhi hospitals, clinics

I am anguished that lakhs of patients are being supplied fake drugs... these are a grave threat to the public health and safety...

- Alok KN Mishra

Lieutenant governor (LG) VK Saxena has recommended an inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the procurement and supply of spurious and non-standard drugs, including some life-saving medicines, in Delhi government hospitals and Mohalla Clinics, the LG office said on Saturday.

The LG’s recommendation came after around 10% of the drug samples lifted in July from three major Delhi government hospitals and tested at approved drug testing laboratories, failed. These drugs were procured by the Central Procurement Agency (CPA), under the Delhi government’s health department and supplied to various government hospitals.

Saxena, in a note, has directed chief secretary Naresh Kumar to take action in the matter. “I am, to say the least, anguished at the fact that lakhs of hapless people and patients are being supplied fake drugs that have failed quality standard tests. These drugs procured by spending huge budgetary resources are a grave threat to public health and safety and have the potential of endangering lives of people. Prima facie, apart from CPA-DHS, GNCTD there are suppliers, manufacturers situated in other states and Drug Controllers in those states associated in this whole exercise,” the note said.