China admits its cos’ involvement in shipping fake drugs

“The Indian government took up the matter with the Nigerian authorities and on further probe,it was found that the drugs had actually originated in China and not in India,” he added.

In June,Nigeria’s drug regulatory authority National Agency for Food And Drug Administration And Control (NAFDAC) had reported about the detention of a large consignment of fake anti-malarial generic pharmaceuticals labelled ‘Made in India’ which were actually produced in China.

Following the incident,India took up the issue with China fearing that this could damage the reputation of the 12-billion-dollar Indian pharmaceutical industry in the global market.

Though,China had assured of investigations in the matter,Indian authorities were not given any time frame.

India has asked its missions in the region to step up vigil for protecting the nation’s image and market.

“These kinds of incidents are also tarnishing the image of the Indian pharmaceutical products in the international market,” the official said.

To crack down on the growing menace of spurious drugs,the government will introduce measures including roping in of private detective agencies,setting up a separate intelligence network and a reward up to Rs 25 lakh for informers.

“Steps are also being taken to set up drug testing centres at various ports,besides offering rebates in ceiling price to drug manufacturers adopting latest packing technology to counter the menace,” an official said.

On August 3,a four-member Nigerian delegation led by NAFDAC Director General Paul Orhii met Indian authorities and discussed the recent seizure of the drug consignment.

NAFDAC has taken up the issue with the Interpol which is looking into the case.