Fake Complaints Galore Under Whistleblower Scheme on Dodgy Drugs

There have been many fake complaints under the ‘whistleblower scheme' of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for spurious drugs. So far about 27 cases have been reported at the Central Drugs Standards Council Organisation (CDSCO), Ghaziabad. Researchers have sent the samples of the drugs from 22 cases to the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kolkata, and the Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory, Chandigarh. The remaining cases have been sent to State Drugs Control Department of Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan.

The ‘whistleblower scheme' was launched on October 14, 2009 by the central government and rewards informers who provide clues to fake drug rackets in hospitals. However the Ministry has now said that most complaints appear to be fake. It also seems the reward of Rs. 5 lakh for one case is tempting the informers. Another factor is that their identity will be kept confidential.

25% of the reward will be given after the chargesheet is framed and 25% will be paid once the court decides the case in favor of the government. The remaining amount will be paid after closure of the case.


Source-Medindia
RAS