A probe ordered into sale of fake drugs across the State is a victim of bureaucratic red tape. Health Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak had on March 17, ordered the probe after delay in an usual investigation into the matter was reported this year. However, eight months after the order, no step has been taken in this regard so far, sources said.
The probe was ordered after the Pentaxim vaccine manufactured by the Sanofi Pasteur, a multinational pharmaceutical company, was found to be fake in the State. Drug retailers in Cuttack came to know that the vaccine available in the market was not manufactured by the Sanofi Pasteur indeed.
Following the report, the firm began investigation into the matter and found that the fake Pentaxim vaccine was being sold in the market. Without any delay, the firm informed the matter to the State Drug Controller and urged to take immediate step by probing the case by the Vigilance department. The Drug Controller received the request letter from the firm on March 6, 2014.
After four weeks, the Drug Controller handed over the matter to Drug Inspectors of various fields for probe instead of a Vigilance inquiry. An FIR was lodged on June 7 in the case. The Health Minister pulled up the authorities for delay in investigation and submitting a report after which the case was filed so late.
Earlier, the Minister had also asked to submit the report by March 31 this year about the action taken during previous years in connection with fake drug sale. Meanwhile, one or two cases have been reported during the period. However, even after eight months of the order, no step has been taken so far.