The Health Ministry is of the view that irrational fixed-dose combinations (FDC) are causing anti-microbial resistance, and, in some cases, toxicity that can lead to organ failure even as drug manufacturers in connivance with unscrupulous medical practitioners are making huge profits (“Weekend – Being’ page – “India coughs up a cold call: no more sweet nothings”, March 20). It may be true that the drug industry could face a revenue loss of several crores for the 300-odd FDCs already banned but a person’s well-being is more important.
K.A. Solaman,Alappuzha, Kerala
As the national president of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association I agree that irrational formulations need to be weeded out, but it is shocking that 300-odd FDCs have been banned in one go by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. A cessation of supplies will result in a vacuum. Many of these FDCs have been in the market even before 1988, having been cleared and licensed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the Drug Controller General of India and prescribed by numerous medical practitioners and hospitals. There have been no adverse reports as far as efficacy and safety are concerned. Prescription of individual drugs — instead of FDCs — will result in an increase in treatment as well as inconvenience to patients. This is against the objective of reducing medical costs for the poor. The government has assured us that the grievances of the industry will be heard before a final decision but nothing has happened.
S.V. Veerramani, Chennai
