Not just raw materials (active pharmaceutical ingredients) from China, but illegally imported cancer drugs from Bangladesh is flooding the Indian market.
This invasion is giving sleepless night to the Indian pharma companies who see this as a threat, not just to the revenue but most importantly to the lives of the patients.
A recent study has confirmed a mushrooming grey market of fake and unapproved oncology and hepatology medicines of popular pharma companies.
“Since these medicines are smuggled, mostly from Bangladesh, its exact number cannot be ascertained,” the study said.
“However, as per company experts’ view this grey market could be over Rs 300 crore for just oncology drugs,” the study added.
“Domestic companies and MNCs, which manufacture these medicines, suffer potential losses due to the cheaper fakes,” Times of India reported.
“About 12 per cent of those prescribed these medications could be consuming fake tablets/capsules, according to oncologists,” the report added.
The report further said as these medicines are not imported legally hence their safety and efficiency is not known.
“Moreover, there are no records of clinical trials of these medicines and they do not have drug controller’s approvals,” the study added.
The matter was recently discussed by the Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) with Centre and the member companies were assured that steps would be taken soon.
Experts are of the view that since most of the medicines are manufactured and imported illegally from Bangladesh, hence the Indo-Bangla border must be strengthened and prevent illegal entry of these medicines.
They are also of the view that the pharma companies should educate both doctors and patients about these cheap and fake medicines.