Maharashtra Launches Eight Laser Scanners for Medicine Verification
The state health department introduces advanced technology to combat counterfeit drugs in government hospitals.
Eight portable laser scanners deployed across Maharashtra for drug testing.
Each device costs Rs 1.2 crore and uses Raman spectroscopy for analysis.
Health officials aim to enhance drug safety and accountability in public health.
In a significant move to enhance drug safety, Maharashtra's health minister Prakash Abitkar announced the introduction of eight portable laser scanners designed to detect counterfeit and substandard medicines in government hospitals. This initiative, revealed on Monday, aims to ensure that medicines supplied to public health facilities meet safety standards, with the scanners capable of delivering results in under two minutes.
The scanners, named TruScan Raman, utilize Raman spectroscopy technology to analyze the unique chemical signatures of medications based on their ingredients. By employing inelastic light scattering to examine molecular vibrations, these devices can verify the authenticity of drugs by comparing their signatures against an internal database of commonly used pharmaceuticals. The pilot program will roll out in eight districts, including Thane, Pune, and Latur, among others.
Each TruScan Raman device is priced at Rs 1.2 crore and is manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific, a US-based company. While representatives from the company noted that similar devices have been acquired by the Rajasthan FDA, they also acknowledged potential user manipulation of the data fed into the machines. To mitigate this risk, Abitkar emphasized the establishment of a standard operating procedure for the scanners' usage.
A specialized 'flying squad' will oversee the random testing of medicines in hospitals and dispensaries, with dedicated teams assigned to each of the eight divisions. Abitkar highlighted the shift from a complaint-based approach to a more proactive, action-driven system aimed at safeguarding public health. If any samples are found to be contaminated, they will undergo retesting at 12 NABL-approved laboratories, with results expected within approximately eight days.
The health department has indicated that confirmed contamination cases will be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Despite the company's claims of the device's efficacy, Ganesh Rokade, the joint commissioner for drugs, stated that no such product has been demonstrated in the state since he assumed office earlier this year. However, health officials maintain that the TruScan Raman is approved by the US FDA and boasts an accuracy rate between 90% and 98%, with similar devices already operational in several countries worldwide, including the United States and Germany.
