Vishal Rana, Hamirpur

In a significant move, the Central Government has imposed a ban on 156 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drugs, a decision that is expected to have a profound impact on 90% of Himachal Pradesh’s pharmaceutical industry. This decision follows recommendations from an expert committee that raised concerns about the potential risks these FDCs pose to human health. The banned drugs include antibiotics, allergy medications, pain killers, multivitamins, and treatments for fever and high blood pressure.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a Gazette Notification, immediately halting the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of these drugs. Himachal Pradesh, known as the “Pharma Hub of Asia,” is expected to be particularly affected, as the majority of these FDC drugs are produced by the state’s pharmaceutical companies.

Key drugs included in the ban are the combination of Mefenamic Acid and Paracetamol injections, commonly used to alleviate pain and inflammation in various conditions. Also banned is the combination of Omeprazole Magnesium and Dicyclomine HCL, used for treating abdominal pain. Other prohibited FDCs include the combination of Ursodeoxycholic Acid and Metformin HCL, used for treating fatty liver in diabetic patients, and a combination of Povidone Iodine, Metronidazole, and Aloe, typically used for preventing and treating skin infections.

This sweeping ban by the Central Government marks a critical step in safeguarding public health. However, it also poses a significant challenge to the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in Himachal Pradesh, where the majority of these drugs were being produced. The move is expected to prompt a substantial overhaul in the industry, forcing companies to reevaluate their product lines and manufacturing processes. As the ban takes effect, the industry’s response and adaptation will be crucial in shaping the future landscape of pharmaceutical manufacturing in the region.