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DCC rejects proposal for creation of digital platform to upload quality control & test reports of pharma cos
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Our Bureau, New Delhi
October 07 , 2026
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The Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) has rejected a proposal for creation of a digital platform for public disclosure of quality control and test reports of batches of drugs manufactured by the pharmaceutical manufacturers, observing that meagre uploading of reports would not ensure quality of the medicines.
The DCC was considering the proposal for mandatory uploading of manufacturers' batch test reports or certificates of analysis on a public digital platform. The digital platform for public disclosure was proposed to allow the public to access the data and certificates uploaded by the companies, as a measure to enhance transparency in terms of product quality.
However, the members of the DCC observed that mere uploading of a document supplied by the manufacturer would not establish its authenticity or ensure the quality of the batch unless supported by effective verification and regulatory oversight.
Considering the proposal, the DCC in its 70th meeting held on September 18, said that it did not agree to the proposal in its present form.
It emphasised that risk-based inspections, effective audits, independent sampling and firm enforcement action would contribute more directly to improvement of drug quality.
"Any future digital disclosure mechanism should therefore be examined only as part of a broader verifiable regulatory system and not as a substitute for regulatory inspection and testing," said the Committee in its minutes of the meeting.
At present, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) collects data on Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) medicines and spurious drugs identified by the Central and State drug testing laboratories on a monthly basis and publishes it in its website for the public.
However, it does not provide the details of the manufacturer of the spurious drugs, or the brand which has been copied for malpractice, owing to various concerns from the stakeholders.
It may be noted that the Laghu Udyog Bharati (LUB), the voluntary network and welfare organisation of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) with over 66,400 industry members, has requested the central drugs regulator to highlight that 97% of the medicines available in the country are of standard quality, while releasing the data related to the NSQs and spurious drugs in the country.
LUB said that 2.5-3% NSQ cases should not overshadow the 97% standard quality drugs available in the market, and requested the drugs regulator to publish the list of 97% standard quality compliant companies also.
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