Govt may move SC to club all FDC drug ban cases

The government on Friday said it might move the Supreme Court, asking it to club all cases related to its ban on 344 fixed dose combination (FDC) drugs pending in various courts.

Responding to a supplementary in the Lok Sabha on whether the Centre would move the Apex Court, requesting it to club all cases opposing the ban together, Health Minister JP Nadda said it was a “good suggestion”.

Nadda admitted that the situation was a result of lack of coordination between various state licencing authorities and the Drugs Controller General of India.

The Delhi high court alone was hearing 180 pleas challenging the government's decision to ban 344 fixed dose combinations. Nadda in March had banned 344 fixed dose combination drugs, including cough syrup compositions, saying they involve “risk” to humans and safer alternatives were available.