The IMA additionally proposed 5 systemic reforms to make sure the standard of medicines equipped throughout the nation. , Photograph Credit score: ANI
In view of pediatrician’s arrest following deaths of youngsters as a result of consumption of a “contaminated” cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh, the Indian Medical Affiliation (IMA) has sought Union Well being Minister JP Nadda’s intervention into the matter and instant Withdrawal of the case towards the bona fide medical practitioner.
Condemning the motion taken towards the Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP), IMA on Wednesday (October 8, 2025) mentioned the basis reason for this tragedy is the failure of high quality management on the stage of the producer, and the next failure of the regulatory system chargeable for oversight.
“The first authorized legal responsibility and culpability for introducing an adulterated drug into the market, which violates the Medication and Cosmetics Act, rests squarely with the producer and the enforcement companies.”
“We name upon the Ministry to acknowledge the physician as a secondary sufferer of a systemic collapse and to direct the instant closure of all authorized proceedings towards them, making certain justice for his or her skilled defamation and trauma,” Dr. Dilip Bhanushali Nationwide President of IMA mentioned within the letter to Mr. Nadda on October 8.
The instant arrest of the physician constitutes a classical instance of “authorized illiteracy” and sends a profoundly detrimental message to healthcare suppliers nationwide, the letter mentioned.
The IMA President identified that the Supreme Courtroom’s laid down a correct process to be adopted previous to arresting a health care provider is missing on this case.
A health care provider prescribes a drug (even when generic) in good religion, based mostly on its official approval by the competent regulatory our bodies and its availability within the licensed provide chain. They haven’t any means or mechanism to determine manufacturing lapses, such because the hidden contamination of excipients with poisonous substances like Diethylene Glycol (DEG) or Ethylene Glycol (EG), the the letter mentioned.
“Holding the prescribing doctor culpable for an undetected defect within the drug’s formulation quantities to shifting the accountability for a failure that lies completely exterior the purview of medical apply,” it mentioned.
The letter underlined that the RMP’s skilled mandate is strictly restricted to medical evaluation, prognosis, and prescription of medication accredited and licensed by the federal government’s personal drug management. mechanisms.
The doctor just isn’t a top quality management analyst chargeable for testing uncooked supplies or intermediate merchandise for toxicity.
“By criminalising the act of prescription in good religion, this indiscriminate motion unfairly victimizes an expert performing inside the bounds of legislation, and critically, creates widespread apprehension and concern throughout your complete medical fraternity. This concern could inadvertently result in defensive drugs practices, together with the reluctance to prescribe reasonably priced generic medication, which might in the end have an effect on the sufferers adversely,” the letter said.
The IMA additionally proposed 5 systemic reforms to make sure the standard of medicines equipped throughout the nation which incorporates strengthening regulatory manpower and Infrastructure, necessary testing for contaminants, institution of a sturdy drug recall coverage, strengthening pharmacovigilance and reporting and risk-based inspections and license audits.
“We attraction to your good places of work to intervene decisively, order the instant withdrawal of the case towards the bona fide medical practitioner, and focus the investigative and enforcement assets on the producer and the regulatory our bodies whose institutional failure led to this tragic lack of life. A powerful, credible regulatory system is the bedrock of protected affected person care,” the letter mentioned including the IMA is able to collaborate with the Ministry to implement these systemic reforms.
5 kids from Madhya Pradesh are in a essential situation, whereas 20 have died as a result of consumption of a “contaminated” cough syrup, state Madhya Pradesh Well being Minister Rajendra Shukla mentioned on Wednesday.
The kids died on account of suspected kidney failure, linked to the consumption of the “poisonous” Coldrif cough syrup, in response to officers.
Amid an investigation into the matter, the Madhya Pradesh authorities on Monday suspended two drug inspectors and a deputy director of the Meals and Drug Administration, and in addition transferred the state’s drug controller.
Dr. Praveen Soni from Chhindwara has been arrested for “negligence”.
Printed – October 09, 2025 08:57 am IST