KATHMANDU, May 28: The Department of Drugs Administration (DDA) has suspended operations of four domestic pharmaceutical companies for violating the government´s drugs manufacturing code.[break]
The companies - Dingla and Milan Pharmaceuticals of Biratnagar and Birat Pharma Laboratories and Concept Pharmaceuticals of Birgunj - were found flouting the government´s manufacturing standards during inspections recently conducted by the DDA. Of the 42 pharmaceutical companies operating in the country, the government has so far monitored manufacturing practices of 29 companies this fiscal year.
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“The four companies have already stopped the manufacturing process of drugs and will be allowed to resume operations only after they meet all the standards prescribed in National Code of Drugs Manufacturing Conduct,” a reliable DDA source told Republica, declining to mention the mistakes committed by each companies.
As per the drugs manufacturing code of conduct, all pharmaceutical companies must comply with processing and packaging requirements set by the government. The companies should also maintain infrastructure, use equipment and employ required number of human resources deemed appropriate by the government.
“Since quality control is the most important aspect in manufacturing process of medicines, we may temporarily close down a company even if it fails to meet a minor condition set by the government,” the DDA official said. For instance, the DDA may suspend operating license of a pharmaceutical company even for failing to maintain the correct room temperature prescribed by the government. “All these measures are taken to avoid circulation of inferior products in the market,” the official informed.
