Mentor’s Comments-
- https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/indias-drug-problem-why-whos-alert-over-indian-medicines-in-gambia-should-not-be-ignored-8199501/
- In introduction, you can mention the current tragedy of death of children in Gambia after consuming medicines manufactured by a Haryana based company.
- In the body, talk about issues with the drug regulations regime in India.
- Next, give a way forward.
- Conclude accordingly.
Kindly review
Nabeel
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You have made a decent attempt.
Introduction is fine, good that you have linked it with current affairs. Before talking about CDSCO, a passing mention of Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940 can be done which gives powers to the CDSCO.
Issues mentioned are good. Also, non-scientific classification of offences along with liberal punishments for malpractices can be mentioned. Further, due to competition between states, many of them issue manufacturing licenses to all and sundry without looking into whether Good Manufacturing Practices and other requirements are being followed which is a cause of worry. Regulator related issues mentioned by you are fine.
Suggestions are also good, to increase dimensions in the answer you can talk about legislative action such as amending the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Conclusion is good.
Keep practicing. 🙂
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Alankrit
Introduction is fine, WHO issuing an alert on Indian-manufactured cough syrups can be mentioned as the term ‘international observers’ is mentioned in the question.
In issues some good points have been mentioned such as inter-state variation in regulations, low R&D, lack of data etc. But when you talk about regulating bodies, first mention what is the system in place and what are the issues…you can talk about CDSCO, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Next , issues that the drug regulators often have to deal with like poor training, antiquated record-keeping systems, understaffing, pressure from the pharmaceutical industry etc can be mentioned. You can also talk about fragmented nature of drug regulator(centre-states) and liberal punishments for malpractices. Body on the lines of FDA in US is good to be mentioned in way forward, in issues need to mention issues with our systems. Further, you can add some generic points if you have time and space like issue of transparency, lack of digitization, unethical clinical trials etc.
Way forward is fine, however, some measures to alleviate the above challenges can be mentioned such as legislative action to strengthen the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, addressing systemic issues (co-ordination b/w regulators, manpower, funding, training, checking counterfeit and poor quality export etc).
Conclusion can be linked with India being the ‘pharmacy of the world’ to make it more impressive.
Overall, you have written a quick generic answer but some of the above content if added can make it better.
Keep practicing. 🙂
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