Study of Drugs Enquiry Committee (Chopra Committee) – 1930–1931

This article explains about the findings of the Drugs Enquiry Committee (Chopra Committee) 1930–1931 and its impact on Indian drug regulation reforms.

Purpose:

• The Drugs Enquiry Committee, chaired by Colonel R.N. Chopra, was the first committee established to investigate the pharmaceutical industry in India.

Objectives:

• Examine the quality of drugs available in the market.
• Study the extent of spurious and adulterated drugs.
• Suggest measures to regulate drug manufacturing and distribution.

Findings:

• The market was flooded with adulterated, substandard, and spurious drugs.
• There was no legislation to control the quality of medicines in India.
• The absence of proper testing facilities and trained professionals worsened the situation.

Recommendations:

1. Enactment of comprehensive laws to regulate the pharmaceutical industry.
2. Establishment of drug testing laboratories to ensure quality control.
3. Creation of a licensing system for manufacturing and sale of drugs.
4. Formation of a Central Drug Control Authority.

Outcome:

• Based on this committee’s recommendations, the Drugs Act of 1940 was enacted to regulate drug import, manufacture, and sale.
• It later evolved into the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, with amendments for improved safety and quality control.

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