**FDA Uncovers Counterfeit Allopathy and Ayurvedic Medicines in Pune Amid Nationwide Concern**

Amid growing nationwide concerns over counterfeit medicines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has uncovered a shocking case in Pune involving fake allopathy and Ayurvedic medicines being supplied in the market.

In a disturbing revelation, paracetamol was reportedly being sold under the label of azithromycin, a widely used antibiotic. The FDA’s inspection further revealed adulteration not only in antibiotics but also among tablets used to control blood pressure and diabetes.

### Major Raids and Seizures

Between April and September, the FDA conducted raids that led to the seizure of counterfeit medicines worth ₹61.67 lakh from two manufacturers — an allopathy company based in Shikrapur and an Ayurvedic firm in Thane.

From the Shikrapur unit alone, fake azithromycin tablets along with adulterated medicines for diabetes and hypertension, valued at ₹55.62 lakh, were confiscated. Additionally, Ayurvedic medicines worth ₹6.05 lakh were seized during a separate operation.

“In the Pune division, we regularly inspect 66 manufacturers and sellers. Action has been taken against two companies between April and September this year, and samples from 15 locations were tested,” said Girish Hukre, Joint Commissioner, FDA, Pune Division.

### Public Health Concerns

Authorities confirmed that the Shikrapur-based company had supplied azithromycin tablets to certain municipal hospitals in Pune, raising serious concerns about patient safety. Cases have been registered against both manufacturers, and further investigations are ongoing.

Medical experts and pharmacists have demanded that the administration tighten surveillance measures to prevent counterfeit medicines from entering the city’s supply chain. Meanwhile, some drug dealers have questioned how many vendors had their licenses revoked for selling such fake products.

### Context: Rising Deaths Linked to Contaminated Medicines

These revelations come in the wake of several child deaths in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan linked to contaminated cough syrup. Following these tragic incidents, the FDA has intensified checks on cough syrups across the Pune division.

As a result, many local drug dealers have already stopped selling syrups from the suspected companies.

### Government Response and Future Measures

Health Minister Prakash Abitkar assured the public that strict action will be taken against those involved in manufacturing and supplying counterfeit medicines. He stated, “A Drug Detection Machine will soon be deployed across the state to ensure the quality of medicines. Government hospital supplies must match the quality standards of private institutions.”

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued an advisory recommending that cough syrups should not be given to children under two years of age, as the chemicals may not break down properly in their bodies and could have toxic effects. The advisory also cautions against administering such syrups to children under five years old, who are prone to adverse side effects.

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The FDA continues to strengthen efforts to safeguard public health by cracking down on counterfeit medicines and ensuring quality standards across the pharmaceutical market.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/pune/fake-medicine-racket-busted-in-pune-paracetamol-sold-as-azithromycin-6167-lakh-stock-seized