Stories
Central Government Cracks Down on Drugs, Seeks States' Help Against Fake Medicines
- •The central government is tightening its grip on illicit narcotic drug trafficking and use.
- •The Drug Advisory Panel recommended stricter monitoring of medicines containing narcotic and psychotropic substances.
- •This initiative is linked to the "Vision Document on Drug Control 2026 to 2029," seeking states' help.
- •CDSCO aims to address regulatory loopholes related to illegal diversion of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances by March 2027.
- •The National Human Rights Commission's recommendations on curbing fake medicines require input from states and multi-agency coordination.
Key Questions Answered
The central government's Drug Advisory Panel has recommended stricter monitoring of medicines containing narcotic and psychotropic substances under the Vision Document on Drug Control 2026 to 2029. It has set a target for the CDSCO to address regulatory loopholes related to the illegal diversion of these pharmaceutical preparations by March 2027, backed by a reliable national database and a common digital platform for reporting.
States and Union Territories are required to send monthly reports to the CDSCO detailing the number of licenses issued, quantities of regulated drugs handled, inspections conducted, and actions taken. Furthermore, they have been asked to provide comments and suggestions on recommendations regarding fake medicines sent by the National Human Rights Commission so a joint proposal can be prepared.
The Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), which is a mechanism of the Ministry of Home Affairs coordinating action against drugs, hosted the launch of the Vision Document on Drug Control 2026 to 2029 as a roadmap for the country's drug control efforts.
