TIB unveils corruption inside drug administration

REPORTS show that corruption and irregularity rule the country’s drug administration, where money can buy licences and registrations for low-quality, counterfeit medicines. A Transparency International Bangladesh study titled ‘Governance in the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA), Challenges and Ways Out’, TIB clarified how the Directorate General of Drug Administration’s (DGDA) regulatory mechanism is weak and many of its officials and employees join hands with unscrupulous officials of medicine companies to indulge in corruption. The study revealed how officials take bribes and major corruption takes place in the issuance and renewal of drug licences as well as handover and change of ownerships, highlighting how the country’s pharmaceutical industry meets 97 percent of the local demand for medicine and has been exporting quality medicines to many countries. The study unfolded how many companies do not follow proper practices in making drugs for the local market and produce counterfeit, fake and unnecessary medicines and Drug Administration officials certify drugs even when manufacturers do not have proper equipment, quality control mechanisms and technicians. Further reports showed that even drug superintendents approve drug licences without inspecting drug stores and also a number of influential companies form syndicates to influence the DGDA to secure approval for importing raw materials and fixing drug prices to their advantages. The companies even start marketing drugs well before they get permission. The study report says, the DGDA has some legal shortcomings as well. For example, the Drug Act 1940 and Drug (Control) Ordinance 1982 do not specify the standards of medical devices, food supplements and cosmetics. As a result, the drug authority cannot take action against those importing and marketing risky and low-quality products. The DGDA fails to check corruption and irregularities because punishments under the laws are light, the report added. Besides, the drug administration has fund and manpower shortages for which they cannot undertake proactive steps. Production of counterfeit medicines pose grave danger to the people, especially from the low income bracket, who usually look for inexpensive alternatives in the market. Ignoring the rampant corruption and inadequate supervision in this sector by the government means turning a blind eye to a life-threatening epidemic. The government is accountable to the people and must make proper efforts in establishing a safe medication environment where corruption is low and health and safety concerns are high. Unfortunately the corruption of our administration makes it difficult to think that this will be achieved.