Drugs control dept launches drive to check fake flu drugs

As temperatures dip and pollution levels rise, Delhi's drugs control department has launched a citywide inspection drive to check chemist shops and distributors for counterfeit or substandard over-the-counter (OTC) medicines used to treat allergies, fever, and pain — drugs that typically see a spike in demand during this time of the year, said officials.

- Ridhima Gupta

Dr Rakesh Pandit, senior consultant and head of internal medicine at Aakash Healthcare, said, “When the weather starts to become colder and pollution levels increase, we usually notice that the number of viral infections rises during the winter season in Delhi. Seasonal influenza (Flu A and B), HINI or swine flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold and other viral fevers are the most comm