The report, “ >India flooded with unsafe fixed dose combination drugs ” (“Science & Technology”, page, May 21), though shocking is not something new. Nearly a decade ago, Andhra Pradesh government was directed, in the form of a circular, to deal with more than 250 unapproved fixed dose combination formulations available in the market in the State. Nothing was done under the plea that there was a stay on this in the Madras High Court. The problem has assumed unmanageable proportions now as lobbying by pharmaceutical manufacturers is strong. Moreover, the number of staff to inspect and prosecute violators is too low and the number of laboratories to analyse and test the drugs is also meagre. When peoples’ health is not a priority, such things are bound to happen.
A.G. Rajmohan,
Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh
