Dr Diwakar Tejaswi, a respected Senior Physician and Medical Director of PAHAL, has issued a serious public health warning. He expressed deep concern over the increasing danger posed by poor quality cough syrups in the market. The warning came during a health awareness programme in Patna. Dr Tejaswi strongly urged the government to strengthen drug testing and accountability systems. He emphasized the urgent need for regular, random testing of these medicines. This proactive step is necessary to ensure the products are safe for public consumption.
The Hidden Danger: Toxic Chemicals in Medicines
Speaking at the Dr Diwakar Tejaswi Clinic on Exhibition Road, Patna, he detailed the specific risks. He stressed that cough syrup batches licensed for sale in Bihar require periodic testing. This testing aims to detect toxic or harmful chemicals. Chemicals like diethylene glycol have caused serious issues globally. Their presence in medicines in the past highlights a critical flaw. Dr Tejaswi warned that such substances can lead to severe poisoning. This poses a serious health risk, particularly for vulnerable groups. Children and elderly people are frequent consumers of cough syrups.
Global Incidents Highlight Drug Quality Control Failures
Dr Tejaswi mentioned several tragic poisoning incidents that occurred recently. These incidents happened both in India and various other countries. They were directly linked to poor quality control of pharmaceutical products. He stated that these cases serve as clear evidence. Negligence in drug quality testing can become a major threat to human life. To prevent similar future incidents, he offered a solution. He insisted that the government must make the testing system more stringent and completely transparent. Strengthening the drug regulation process is non-negotiable for public safety.
Strict Accountability and Legal Action Demanded
The physician further called for stern action against offenders. Those involved in manufacturing, supplying, or distributing fake or substandard medicines must face strict legal action. Dr Tejaswi stressed that accountability must be fixed at every level. This ensures that only safe and effective pharmaceuticals reach the public. He urged the government departments responsible for drug regulation to fulfill their duty responsibly. He demanded that there should be no compromise with the quality of medicines being sold in the state.
The PAHAL Initiative for Health Safety Awareness
The event was held under the banner of PAHAL (Public Awareness for Healthful Approach for Living). The program’s core purpose was to raise public awareness about health safety. It aimed to highlight the crucial importance of ensuring medicine quality. Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Programme Assistant at PAHAL, coordinated the successful awareness drive.
Collective Responsibility for Safe Medicines
Dr Tejaswi concluded his address with a strong final statement. He said that guaranteeing safe medicines for everyone is a shared responsibility. It rests not just with the government authorities. It is also the responsibility of the entire medical community. The public, too, must play an active role in demanding drug quality. This collective effort is vital to safeguard public health across Patna and Bihar.
