A critical lapse in Jan Vishwas Bill

Source: The post is based on the article “A critical lapse in Jan Vishwas Bill” published in Business standard on 1st August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health

News: This article discusses the Jan Vishwas Bill passed by Lok Sabha, which amends many provisions, including those in the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. Recently, Indian drug quality was questioned due to several incidents. The new amendments favor manufacturers more than consumers, reducing penalties for producing substandard drugs. The author believes patient safety shouldn’t be compromised for business ease.

About Jan Vishwas Bill

Purpose: Boost ease of living and business by amending provisions.

Changes to D&C Act: Might favor drug manufacturers over consumers.

Quality Issues: 48 brands found substandard; concerns from US FDA and other countries.

Penalty Reduction: Lighter penalties for substandard drug production.

Concerns: Potentially compromises patient safety and India’s drug reputation.

What is the need for Jan Vishwas Bill?

Addressing Over-Criminalization: The existing laws might have been too penalizing, hindering businesses.

Aligning with Business Growth: The need to make India a more attractive business destination while ensuring quality and safety.

Pharmaceutical Industry Concerns: With reported substandard brands and international issues, a revision was deemed necessary.

Enhancing Reputation: Incidents in countries like Gambia, Sri Lanka, and the US FDA’s findings spotlighted the need for legislative action.

Ensuring Consumer Safety: Despite the bill’s potential biases, the overall intent was to safeguard consumers from health risks.

What are the implications of Jan Vishwas Bill?

Simplifies Regulations: Aims to boost ease of living and doing business by amending various provisions.

Potential Bias: Changes to the Drugs & Cosmetics Act might favor drug manufacturers over consumers.

Quality Concerns Highlighted:

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation found 48 brands to be substandard.

US FDA pointed out issues in Indian factories exporting generics.

Deaths in Gambia and Uzbekistan linked to an Indian-made cough syrup.

Sri Lanka and Nepal raised concerns over Indian drug quality.

Weaker Penalties: Producing substandard drugs may lead to lighter penalties, risking patient safety.

Reputation at Risk: India, known as the pharmacy of the world, might see its reputation damaged.

What should be done?

Strengthen Regulations: Ensure the Drugs & Cosmetics Act prioritizes patient safety over business interests.

Stricter Quality Checks: Address issues like the 48 substandard brands and concerns raised by the US FDA.

Review Penalties: Reconsider Jan Vishwas Bill’s lenient penalties for producing substandard drugs.

Preserve Reputation: Protect India’s status as the “pharmacy of the world” by ensuring high-quality generics.

Balance Business and Safety: Improve business conditions without compromising patient rights and drug safety.