Tue Jun 03 15:24:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) has alerted Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to a surge in counterfeit medicines in the state, particularly post-COVID-19. They are requesting the formation of a high-level enforcement task force comprised of senior IPS officers and officials from the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration to conduct statewide operations. The BDCDA highlights the dangers posed by counterfeit drugs, the inadequacy of current enforcement due to staffing shortages and compromised QR code authentication, and the role of unauthorized suppliers and online platforms in the distribution of these fake medicines. They are also calling for a temporary suspension of online medicine sales.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Chemists Demand Crackdown on Counterfeit Drugs**

**Bengaluru, June 3, 2025** – The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) has issued a stark warning about the escalating problem of counterfeit medicines in Karnataka, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take immediate action. In a letter released today, the association called for the establishment of a high-level enforcement task force to combat the illicit trade.

“The unchecked manufacturing and distribution of counterfeit medicines poses a grave threat to public health and damages India’s reputation,” stated BDCDA President B. Thirunavukkarasu. The association reports a 50% increase in counterfeit drug activity since the COVID-19 pandemic, citing factors like consumer demand for discounted drugs and inadequate government oversight.

The proposed task force would consist of senior IPS officers and enforcement officials from the Karnataka Food Safety and Drug Administration, tasked with conducting statewide search and seizure operations.

The BDCDA highlighted several critical issues:

* **Inadequate Enforcement:** The association pointed to a severe shortage of drug inspectors, with only 8 of 112 sanctioned posts filled, hindering effective surveillance.
* **Compromised QR Codes:** Counterfeiters have successfully replicated functional QR codes, rendering the current authentication system ineffective.
* **Unauthorized Suppliers:** Semi-wholesalers and sub-stockists are reportedly funneling fake medicines to unregulated e-commerce platforms.

In response to these concerns, the BDCDA is demanding a temporary suspension of online medicine sales until a robust regulatory mechanism can be implemented.

The letter was also addressed to the Health and Home Ministers, the Chief Secretary, and the Principal Secretary (Health), underscoring the urgency of the situation. The government is yet to respond to the BDCDA’s demands.

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