Shivamogga DC calls for measures to ensure quality of medicines - The HinduUpdated - September 25, 2026 07:16 pm IST - ShivamoggaDeputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti participating in a programme mark World Pharmacists’ Day in Shivamogga on Friday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTExpressing concern over the circulation of counterfeit drugs, Shivamogga Deputy Commissioner Prabhulinga Kavalikatti stressed the need for measures to safeguard the quality of drugs.Speaking after inaugurating a programme to mark World Pharmacists’ Day in Shivamogga on Friday, Mr. Kavalikatti said counterfeit drugs were a matter of serious concern. “Medicines are meant to give patients hope. But if they end up causing risks instead, it is a matter of serious concern,” he said.Medicine, the officer said, was not just a commodity but a symbol of the trust patients placed in their treatment. Hence, ensuring drug quality to protect that trust was both a professional duty and a social responsibility of every pharmacist, he stated.Observing that the pharmaceutical sector was facing challenges, the DC said it was necessary to strengthen the availability of quality medicines along with the infrastructure for proper storage and distribution, and the mechanism for regulation. He called for strict enforcement of rules in drug control and monitoring.Mr. Kavalikatti appealed to the public not to ignore information on counterfeit or spurious drugs, and to report to officers of the Health Department or the police if they notice suspicious activity with regard to drugs.At the event, the district-level “Best Pharmacist” award, given by the Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration, was presented to Dr. A. Srinath, professor at the National College of Pharmacy, for his contribution to the academic field, and to Bhupalam Shankar Pradeep for his service in pharmaceutical sales.Published - September 25, 2026 07:13 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }