Drugs regulator to turn the screws on spurious medical products

India's apex drug regulator—Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)—is developing a comprehensive national action plan to combat substandard and spurious medical products, officials and documents said.

- Priyanka Sharma

This follows a World Health Organization (WHO) assessment that highlighted major areas for improvement needed in India's drug regulatory framework. The proposed action plan in the works will implement new prevention, detection and response strategies at both central and state levels.

A key focus will be on strengthening the surveillance and control of medical product advertisements aimed at healthcare professionals. The WHO recommended enhanced training and stricter oversight to ensure that all promotional, marketing, and advertising materials provide accurate and non-misleading information about medical products.