During 1920-1930 there were number of reports of harmful substitutes and adulterants being marketed in place of genuine drugs and toxic effects of such drugs were published in Indian press from time to time.
History of Drug Legislation and
Pharmacy Profession in India
During
1920-1930 there were number of reports of harmful substitutes and adulterants
being marketed in place of genuine drugs and toxic effects of such drugs were
published in Indian press from time to time. According to reports of Indian
Medical Gazette during this period, there was absolutely no control over the
manufacturing, sale and distribution of drugs in India. Several deaths were
reported due to spurious drugs. In place of eye drops, croton oil was used.
Chalk powder was frequently found to be used for adulteration of drug
formulations. There were toxicity reports due to overdose of mercury compounds.
In the absence of effective Acts and Rules related to drugs and pharmaceuticals
in the country, there was a rat race for manufacturing of sub-standard,
spurious and adulterated formulations.
As
a result of alarming adverse reports, deaths due to spurious and adulterated
drugs and in view of protests within and outside the country concerned with
poor medical facilities offered by British rulers in India finally, on 9th March, 1927, The British Government
was forced to initiate action for drug legislations. The Council of State in
British India headed by the Viceroy passed a resolution to counter or check
malpractices in drug dispensation and medication. On 11th August, 1930, Drugs Enquiry Committee (D.E.C.)
was constituted under the Chairmanship of Col. R. N. Chopra
which was a historic development signalling beginning of new era of drug
legislation in our country. Prior to the constitution of this Committee, there
was no significant piece of legislation regulating the import, manufacture,
sale and distribution of medicine. No Act was in vogue prescribing
qualification of a pharmacist and there was no systematic procedure adopted for
registration as pharmacists.
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