Union Health Minister J P Nadda told the Lok Sabha Friday that the doubtful pregabalin drug formulations worth ₹5.97 crore were seized by the Food and Drugs Administration of the Punjab government from 72 different premises inside the state in 2024. As part of a larger crackdown on the way that illegal pharmaceutical drugs were being trafficked and misused in the region, the seizure happened.
Pregabalin is a neurological drug most commonly used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain and anxiety disorders, but increasingly it is abused recreationally. Concerns about the potential of abuse have put Lisdexamfetamine in the focus of authorities who have taken coercive actions towards the drug’s regulation.
To put an end to the increasing misuse, the FDA reacted by cancelling 12 drug manufacturing licenses, suspending 46 others, and filing 11 court complaints. The Punjab government is fully aware of the rising cases of drug abuse and trafficking in the state, and the Union Minister said the Punjab government is always on the job to curb the menace.
On February 28, the FDA issued an advisory asking companies to tighten control over pregabalin sale and distribution. It directed all drug manufacturers, clearing and forwarding agents, wholesale chemists and retail pharmacies in Punjab to report the sale and purchase of pregabalin, as well as other banned chemicals, in more than a fixed limit within a single invoice. The information on this must be given to the designated drug control officers in every area to have better monitoring and regulation.
Drug laws have been enforced by the State Licensing Authorities (SLA), whose power is under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and its allied rules to take legal action. Efforts continue to enhance surveillance and regulatory mechanisms to curb drug abuse as well as responsible pharmaceutical trade in the province of Punjab.
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