Thiruvananthapuram, 20 Nov (H.S.): In a major crackdown on counterfeit medicines, simultaneous lightning inspections conducted by the Drug Intelligence Wing across Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, and Kozhikode districts led to the seizure of fake drugs worth over ₹2 lakh.
The raids were carried out on the instructions of Health Minister Veena George, who had earlier directed officials to initiate strict action against those selling spurious medicines in the state.
The inspections, coordinated under the State Drugs Controller, revealed counterfeit versions of SEROFLO Rotacaps 250 Inhaler, a widely used asthma medication manufactured by Cipla Ltd.
Officials said the discovery was alarming because the drug is routinely prescribed to patients with chronic respiratory conditions.
The authorities have now decided to extend the investigation to other states, suspecting a larger interstate counterfeit network.
During the operation, the Drug Control Department found that two pharmacies had purchased and stocked fake medicines for sale. Following this revelation, legal action was initiated against Ashwas Pharma, located at Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram, and Med World Pharma, based in Poongunnam, Thrissur.
Both establishments have been booked under relevant sections of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the department has stated that their drug licences will be cancelled as part of stringent punitive measures.
Officials confirmed that further investigation is underway to trace the entire chain involved in producing and distributing counterfeit medicines.
The probe will examine how the fake inhalers entered Kerala, who supplied them, and whether more pharmacies or distributors are linked to the racket.
The Drugs Controller also issued a warning to all pharmaceutical retailers and distributors in the state.
Any trader sourcing medicines from outside Kerala must maintain complete documentation, including invoices and transport details, from the point of purchase to the point of sale.
All such documents must be produced during inspections without fail. Authorities emphasised that if medicines are found stored illegally or without valid purchase records, the respective pharmacy’s drug licence will be revoked immediately.
With the detection of counterfeit asthma medication raising serious concerns about patient safety, the Health Department is expected to intensify statewide surveillance in the coming weeks.
The government reiterated that selling fake medicines is a criminal offence and that those involved will face the strictest possible action.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman
