In response to a major counterfeit medicine bust in Titagarh, the West Bengal government is preparing to issue a strict advisory to pharmacists across the state. The move comes amid growing concerns over the spread of fake and substandard drugs, with recent raids uncovering large quantities of spurious medicines in multiple districts.

Key Highlights

Advisory to pharmacists on QR codes and licence cancellation

• Pharmacists and wholesale suppliers found selling fake medicines will face immediate licence cancellation.

• The directive follows a high-level meeting led by the state Health Department.

QR codes to verify drug authenticity

• All medicine shops will be required to display QR codes for customer verification.

• QR codes will provide details on 300+ suspected medicines flagged by the Drug Control General of India.

Public helplines activated for reporting

• Citizens can report suspected counterfeit medicines via the numbers 033 2225-2213 / 033 2225-2214.

• Calls will be monitored by the Directorate of Drug Control in West Bengal.

Inter-state coordination to curb counterfeit drug supply

• West Bengal has sought cooperation from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to investigate supply chains.

• Many spurious drugs seized in North 24 Parganas and Malda were traced back to these states.

Widespread seizures and fake drug rackets exposed

• In Titagarh (North 24 Parganas), authorities seized a large stockpile of substandard drugs in a major raid.

• In Howrah’s Amta area, officials recovered fake medicines worth ₹17 lakh and arrested the owner.

• In Kolkata, a ₹6.5 crore fake medicine racket involving life-saving drugs was busted.

• Authorities have flagged at least 44 types of counterfeit and low-quality medicines currently circulating in the market.

Statements from Leaders or Officials
Health Department Official:
“The Drug Control General of India has already sent QR codes to the state. Customers can now verify medicines and report any discrepancies through the helpline.”The West Bengal government is tightening enforcement against counterfeit drugs, with strict penalties for pharmacists and wholesalers found in violation. With public helplines, QR verification, and inter-state collaboration, the state is stepping up efforts to protect consumers from the growing threat of spurious medicines.