Bengaluru, August 20: Karnataka’s Health Minister U.T. Khader has made a significant appeal to the public. He urged citizens to report any instances of counterfeit medicines being supplied or sold. According to the minister, individuals providing credible information about such activities could receive rewards ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹50,000. This initiative aims to expose the network responsible for the distribution of fake drugs.
Earlier on Thursday, authorities seized counterfeit medicines worth ₹5 crore, labeled with the names of several major multinational companies. This counterfeit drug network was reportedly active in the Ramanagara district. The minister has called for an inter-state investigation into the matter, noting that initial inquiries suggest this network operates in other parts of the country as well.
While addressing journalists in Bengaluru, Khader emphasized the necessity of public cooperation in dismantling the counterfeit drug network, especially given the limited number of officials in the Health and Food Safety Department. He pointed out that Karnataka has a population of 6.5 crore, but only 200 employees are working in the food safety and health sectors. “In such a situation, how can we identify these networks? If anyone has information about such networks, they should inform us immediately,” he stated.
Officials have introduced a helpline number, 1902, and a QR code for the public to report information about these networks. They assured that the identities of informants would remain confidential.
Khader urged the public to be vigilant, particularly when offered expensive medications at unusually low prices. He advised them to question how such low-priced medicines are available and to report any suspicious circumstances. “We will investigate the differences between genuine and counterfeit medicines,” he added.
Additional Drug Controller Dr. Umesh S. noted that investigations into counterfeit drugs have revealed that the network is not only active in Karnataka but also in other states. He stated that the Drug Controller and State Licensing Authority have been informed about this network. Officials have been instructed to gather comprehensive information regarding the supply of counterfeit medicines, which are distributed across hospitals and medical stores. Inspections will be conducted at all these locations.
Moreover, drug officials have been directed to identify distributors who previously distributed these counterfeit medicines to the public. They are also tasked with collecting purchase and batch details to ascertain the authenticity of the medicines.
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