New Delhi, India - April 4, 2016: In a significant move to combat the rising problem of antibiotic resistance, the Indian government has banned over 300 combination drugs, including several popular brands such as Corex, Phensedyl, and Vicks Action 500 Extra.
The drugs, which combine two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients, were found to have "no therapeutic justification" and pose a risk to public health due to their high potential for misuse and abuse. The ban comes after an expert committee appointed by the government recommended the move in 2015.
According to the committee, the use of such combination drugs can lead to drug resistance, which is a growing concern in India, where antibiotics are widely overused and easily available without a prescription. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop the ability to resist the effects of antibiotics, making infections more difficult and expensive to treat.
The decision to ban the combination drugs was welcomed by healthcare professionals and experts who have been calling for stricter regulations on antibiotics in India. "This is a significant step towards combating antibiotic resistance in India," said Dr. K. Srinath Reddy, President of the Public Health Foundation of India.
However, the move was criticized by some industry groups, who argued that the ban would hurt the pharmaceutical industry and limit access to essential medicines. The government has countered that the banned drugs can be replaced with safer and more effective alternatives that are already available in the market.
The ban is part of a larger effort by the Indian government to promote rational use of antibiotics and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. In 2011, the government launched the National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance, which aims to promote the appropriate use of antibiotics, strengthen surveillance of antibiotic resistance, and improve infection prevention and control practices in healthcare facilities.
The ban on combination drugs is expected to have a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry, which has been growing rapidly in India. The industry, which is valued at around $30 billion, is one of the largest in the world and has been facing increasing scrutiny over the quality and safety of its products.
Overall, the ban on combination drugs is seen as a positive step towards addressing the growing problem of antibiotic resistance in India. However, the success of the government's efforts will depend on sustained political will and the cooperation of healthcare professionals, industry, and the public.
