Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has again reaffirmed the government's commitment toward tackling the manufacture and sale of spurious medicines in the state. While responding to a starred question during the Question Hour in the Assembly, the chief minister listed out considerable enforcement measures taken to eliminate the illegal trade of spurious drugs.

Key Highlights:

Enforcement Actions:
The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) department enforced 24,492 with the following:

• 22,151 checks

• 2,341 raids

Samples collected and seized counterfeit medicines:

• A total of 26,225 samples were collected.

• 301 cases of spurious medicines were detected.

• Medicines worth an estimated ₹19.76 crore were seized.

Legal Steps Taken:

• 250 cases of fake drugs lawfully processed.

• 51 cases remain under consideration.

• 27 FIRs were lodged and 60 people were arrested.

Healthcare Workforce Update:

• Another question raised another update from Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak as it concerned the workforce.

• Doctors: Against 7,882 sanctioned positions for allopathic doctors at CHCs and PHCs, 6,997 doctors are working against 885 vacant positions.

• Pharmacists: Out of the sanctioned posts 5,984, 5,200 pharmacists are in regular service. Apart from that, 1,601 pharmacists are engaged through contract basis under NHM.

Assembly Disruptions:

• Protests by SP workers due to the Sambhal incident held the proceedings of the day hostage.

• Due to commotion, the follow-up discussions on 20 starred questions were interrupted.

Aggressive steps by the Uttar Pradesh government show an intention to end counterfeit medicines and maintain the safety of its citizenry. However, demonstrations prevented further detailed discussion by the Assembly.