Telangana's DCA plans real-time alerts to speed up drug warnings

HYDERABAD: In a move aimed at faster communication of drug safety warnings, the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, is planning to roll out a real-time digital alert system to notify all stakeholders on the same day an advisory is issued.

Currently, alerts on unsafe or banned medicines are largely communicated through the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation website or monthly circulars. Officials said this system often results in delays of 15–20 days, even in cases where immediate action is required.

Under the proposed system, instant alerts will be sent to nearly 48,000 retailers, 760 manufacturers, and wholesalers through SMS, email or mobile application.

“If a drug batch is found to be not of standard quality (NSQ), freeze and withdrawal orders can now be communicated instantly,” said DCA director general Shahnawaz Qasim. He warned that delays in communication pose serious risks. “Medicines identified as unsafe may continue to be sold simply because retailers and distributors have not received information,” Qasim said. “After a freeze order is issued, any seller continuing the sale of such medicines is liable for strict legal action,” Qasim added.

Health experts welcomed the move, calling it a significant step towards patient safety. “NSQ drugs carry a high risk of adverse reactions, sometimes fatal. Digital monitoring offers a proactive way to prevent such incidents. Real-time tracking improves transparency, enforcement and reduces the chances of harmful drugs reaching consumers,” said Dr G Srinivas, senior pharmacologist.

Meanwhile, manpower and infrastructure constraints continue to hamper the DCA’s expanded responsibilities. Proposals have been sent to the govt to strengthen human resources and establish additional regional drug testing laboratories in Warangal, Nizamabad, Mahabubnagar and Nalgonda.

At present, the DCA operates a single laboratory that analyses 5,000 to 6,000 samples annually, against a target of 12,000. “With more labs, reports will come faster and unsafe drugs can be recalled before stocks are exhausted,” said a drug inspector from Secunderabad. “Additional inspectors will also help us lift more samples and keep tighter checks on stores,” a senior drug inspector added.


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