Now Reading: Bihar health department launches helpline against fake medicines
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Bihar health department launches helpline against fake medicines
The Story in Brief
The Bihar health department on Wednesday (28 October 2026) launched a dedicated email ID and helpline for complaints against fake and substandard medicines. People can email complaints to [email protected] or call 0612-4619634. The email facility is available round the clock, while the helpline operates Monday to Friday, 10am to 6pm.
Health minister Nishant Kumar directed officials to strengthen drug quality surveillance and take strict action against manufacturers and sellers violating norms. He stressed scientific testing of medicines, regular inspections and enforcement of quality standards. The department urged people to report medicines classified as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) and other suspected substandard drugs. Complaints will be investigated and the identity of complainants will be kept confidential.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The helpline gives patients and chemists a direct channel to flag substandard drugs without fear of retaliation, since identities are confidential. The health minister’s directive to strengthen surveillance and enforce quality standards signals that the department intends to act on complaints. The gap between the round-the-clock email and the weekday-only helpline may limit urgent reports to written complaints outside office hours. How many complaints are filed and what action follows will show whether the initiative deters manufacturers of NSQ drugs.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This brief was synthesised by AI from the source linked above. Methodology and corrections.
