The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has raised concerns over the quality of medicines in the country, stating that improving drug standards remains a core focus for patient welfare. The remarks were made during the 3rd International Patients' Union Conference held recently in New Delhi.

Key Highlights

Quality Concerns in India’s Pharma Landscape

• DCGI emphasized that ensuring the quality of medicines remains a “significant concern” in India.

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is actively working to improve the regulatory framework to address this issue.

Patient Welfare at the Core

• DCGI stated that patient welfare is central to CDSCO’s mission as it seeks to strengthen medicine quality and safety protocols.

• Ongoing reforms aim to ensure higher accountability and better clinical outcomes.

Healthcare System Facing Long COVID Threat

• Dr. K. Madan Gopal, Advisor, Public Health Administration (MoHFW), warned that if the long-term impacts of COVID-19 are not tackled, India risks losing its demographic dividend.

• He stressed the need for stronger preventive and recovery-oriented healthcare systems.

Policy Vision from NITI Aayog

• Dr. VK Paul of NITI Aayog highlighted India’s journey towards a patient-centric, high-quality health system.

• Emphasized a balanced approach combining affordability, access, treatment, prevention, and rehabilitation.

Launch of Patient-Centric Fellowship Programme

• The International Patients' Union, founded by Dr. Rajendra Pratap Gupta, announced a new fellowship programme in collaboration with IIM Raipur.

• Fellows will engage directly with patients to develop policy recommendations for submission to NITI Aayog.

As the Indian pharmaceutical industry continues to scale globally, domestic quality concerns pose a serious challenge. For retail pharmacists, this underlines the importance of sourcing from compliant, licensed manufacturers and maintaining strict documentation and procurement standards. The industry’s path to trust and global recognition lies in robust quality assurance and patient-first practices.