The New Nation - Internet Edition

Our Correspondent, Sirajganj

Substandard Indian medicines have flooded different markets of northern region, including Sirajganj. These medicines have been smuggled into Bangladesh through different routes down the border, sources said. The points of smuggling are situated in Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon, Dinajpur, Joypurhat, Naogaon, Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj districts.

Medicines floated into Bangladesh are Diclofene injection and tablets, Dexamethason tablets, Renitident tablets, Ampicillin, Amoxecillin, Tetracycline, Penicillin, Termycine capsules and injections, Cotrim and Paracetamol tablets, Antacid and many others. In addition, birth control pills and other contraceptives made in India are also found selling in the markets. According to the newspaper reports, Bangladesh is self-sufficient in producing medicines and earning foreign currency by exporting abroad. The quality of Bangladesh made medicines is also of high quality and, therefore, there is no need to import from India.

However, the life of the patients has been hazardous due to marketing of substandard Indian medicines and they are incurring economic losses. The patients and their relatives face difficulties while purchasing medicines from the medicine shops because most of them bear Bangladeshi brand and labels. In contrast, the rug sellers and the retailers are making good profits.