In a significant push to safeguard public health, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana is set to introduce a real-time digital alert mechanism. This system is designed to communicate critical drug safety warnings to all stakeholders on the very day an advisory is issued, eliminating dangerous delays.
Ending the 15-20 Day Delay in Drug Safety Alerts
Currently, alerts concerning unsafe or banned medicines are primarily disseminated through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) website or via monthly circulars. Officials have highlighted a major flaw in this approach, noting that it often results in a communication lag of 15 to 20 days. This delay persists even in situations demanding immediate action, such as the discovery of a contaminated drug batch.
The new digital system promises to bridge this critical gap. It will send instant notifications to a vast network of nearly 48,000 retailers, 760 manufacturers, and wholesalers across the state. These alerts will be delivered through SMS, email, or a dedicated mobile application.
Instant Freeze Orders and Legal Ramifications
Shahnawaz Qasim, the Director General of the DCA, explained the urgent need for this upgrade. "If a drug batch is found to be not of standard quality (NSQ), freeze and withdrawal orders can now be communicated instantly," he stated. Qasim warned that the existing delays pose a serious public health risk, as "medicines identified as unsafe may continue to be sold simply because retailers and distributors have not received information."
He issued a stern reminder that once a freeze order is issued, any seller who continues to stock or sell the flagged medicines will face strict legal action.
Health Experts Hail a Proactive Step for Patient Safety
The move has been warmly welcomed by health professionals, who see it as a vital advancement. Dr. G Srinivas, a senior pharmacologist, emphasized the dangers of NSQ drugs, which "carry a high risk of adverse reactions, sometimes fatal." He praised the digital monitoring plan, stating, "Digital monitoring offers a proactive way to prevent such incidents. Real-time tracking improves transparency, enforcement and reduces the chances of harmful drugs reaching consumers."
Ongoing Challenges: Manpower and Lab Infrastructure
While the alert system is a leap forward, the DCA continues to grapple with foundational constraints. Manpower shortages and limited infrastructure hamper its expanded responsibilities. The administration has sent proposals to the state government to strengthen human resources and establish additional regional drug testing laboratories in Warangal, Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar, and Nalgonda.
Presently, the DCA operates only one laboratory, which analyses between 5,000 to 6,000 samples per year, against an annual target of 12,000 samples. A drug inspector from Secunderabad noted that with more labs, "reports will come faster and unsafe drugs can be recalled before stocks are exhausted." A senior inspector added that additional staff would enable them to lift more samples from the market and maintain tighter surveillance on pharmacies and stores.
