In a pioneering effort to combat the sale of adulterated, counterfeit, and spurious medicines, the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) established special flying squads. Each squad consists of two enforcement teams led by an assistant commissioner, supported by senior drug inspectors and drug inspectors. The initiative, approved by the state government, aims to bolster surveillance and monitoring throughout the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Dr. HG Koshia, FDCA Commissioner, praised the formation of these squads as a ‘landmark move’ to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines in the market. He stated, “To curb the clandestine activities involving adulterated, counterfeit, and spurious medicines, the Gujarat FDCA has established special flying squads for the first time, with two enforcement teams each led by an assistant commissioner and comprising senior drug inspectors and drug inspectors. This initiative aims to enhance effective surveillance and monitoring”.
The teams were carefully selected from 175 officers in the Gujarat FDCA’s enforcement department, chosen for their expertise and track records. These squads are responsible for monitoring the entire supply chain, which includes over 6,000 manufacturers and around 55,000 wholesalers and retailers throughout Gujarat.
As reported by pharmabiz.com, the primary mission of these squads is to conduct regular and surprise inspections, ensure compliance with drug safety regulations, and take stringent actions against violators. The FDCA’s goal is to protect public health and uphold the integrity of the pharmaceutical market.