Pharmaceutical Crisis in India: Former FDA Commissioner Exposes Corruption and Spurious Drug Scandals

Mumbai, Maharashtra: In a damning statement, Mahesh Zagade, former commissioner of Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warns that rampant corruption and neglect are endangering public health in India. Speaking in response to a recent expose on spurious drugs by the Nagpur rural police, Zagade raises alarming concerns about the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the country’s lack of preventive measures for Adverse Drug Reactions (ADR), which kill around 100,000 people annually in the US.

Zagade's shocking revelations include the systemic issue of vacant drug inspector positions, with only 80 of the 200 sanctioned positions filled. This staffing shortfall, combined with bribes paid to inspectors, has allowed dangerous drugs to circulate freely, he claims. While the pharmaceutical industry booms, India ranks 13th in drug value, far behind its global production ranking due to an over-reliance on cheap generics.

Highlighting historical and recent disasters such as the 1937 Elixir Sulfanilamide case and the 2023 deaths of 66 children in Gambia from contaminated cough syrup, Zagade urges urgent reforms. He calls for stricter enforcement of the Drug and Cosmetics Act and comprehensive testing beyond APIs to combat spurious drugs, which continue to damage public trust and health.

“The time to act is now,” says Zagade, advocating for enhanced leadership and accountability to restore public faith and prevent further tragedies.