India protests Chinese using 'Made in India' tag for drugs

India has lodged a strong protest with China over sale of anti-malarial generic drugs with a 'Made in India' label but produced in that country.

The government's attention was drawn to the matter through a press release issued by the Nigerian Government Drug Regulatory Authority (NAFDAC) about detention and seizure of a large consignment of fake anti-malarial generic pharmaceuticals labelled "Made in India" but produced in China.

Taking serious note of the issue, a strong protest was lodged with concerned Chinese authorities with a request to take stringent action against such unscrupulous elements, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

Consequent to India's protest, the Chinese government conducted an investigation and found a nexus between Chinese drug manufacturers and importers in Nigeria, minister of state for health and family welfare Dinesh Trivedi said in reply to a written question.

"The principal suspects have been caught and their factories sealed. The Chinese government is taking action against the accused as per their law," he said.

Indian missions abroad have also been sensitised to be vigilant against such incidents, the minister added.

Replying to another question, Trivedi said, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has stated that under the provisions of the drugs order, 1995, the priced of 74 bulk drugs are controlled.

The NPPA fixes or revises prices of scheduled drugs as per the provision of the drug order.