Arogya Sahaya Samiti’s inquiry regarding holding back the stock of the drug ‘Ranitidine’

‘Arogya Sahaya Samiti’ is a wing of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti, a NGO of medical practitioners, RTI activists and like-minded citizens concerned with health of people and health related issues.

‘Arogya Sahaya Samiti’ has sent a letter to Smt. Jyoti J. Sardesai, Director, Directorate of Food & Drugs Administration (Goa) inquiring about the actions taken regarding ban on the drug ‘Ranitidine’.

As per the news reports the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has alerted the state drug authorities to direct the manufacturers to ensure patient safety about ‘Ranitidine’ and to communicate to the DCGI at the earliest on the action initiated by them. (Ref. F.No. 12-03/19-DC (Safety-007 dated 23.9.2019)

‘Arogya Sahaya Samiti’ in its letter said, “We would like to know as to what action has been initiated in this matter, e.g. Any cheks/inspection/analysis carried out for raw material, manufacturers products, stored medicines etc. So also during this intervening period the drug ‘Ranitidine’ is in sale and accessible to the general public at large who may not be aware of the carcinogenic effects of ‘Ranitidine’ and may be at potential risk. In the larger public interest we would also like to know as to what measures have been taken to caution the general public at large and measures taken to ensure their safety.”

It further said, “As this drug is very harmful for the health of patients, you are requested to hold back the stock of this drug till investigation is completed. The sale and use of the same should be stopped till further orders from the authorities as done in case of Directorate of Health, Government of Maharashtra. In view of above we would appreciate FDA for providing us the information regarding action taken on the above important issues at the earliest.”

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