Take steps to stop use of adulterated drugs in India: Rajinder Sachar

NEW DELHI: In the wake of India's top drug maker Ranbaxy agreeing to pay $ 500 million to settle charges over adulterated drugs in the US, former chief justice of Delhi High Court Rajinder Sachar has demanded that Indian authorities take steps to stop their use in the country.

"How is that US authorities find them unfit for use but our whole set up in the government continues to permit it. Is it inefficiency, collusion or worse -- I do not know," Sachar said in a statement.

He claimed that these very medicines have been available in the Indian market and Drug Controller India has allowed them to be sold.

"Surely the Ministry of Health and Controller of Drugs have much to answer to the public for endangering their lives," he added.

The generic drugs were manufactured at Ranbaxy's facilities in Paonta Sahib and Dewas in India and included acne drug Sotret, epilepsy and nerve pain drug gabapentin and antibiotic ciprofloxacin.

The Generic drug maker pleaded guilty yesterday to felony charges related to drug safety and will pay $ 500 million in civil and criminal fines under the settlement agreement with the US Department of Justice.

Dinesh Thakur, a former Ranbaxy executive and the whisteblower whose alert led to a US probe, will receive $ 48.6 million from the $ 500 million that Ranbaxy agreed to pay to settle the allegations.