In a global sting operation targeting the spurious medicine trade, the Interpol has seized 98 lakh doses of spurious medicines so far this year.

The operation led to the shutdown of more than 9,600 fake online pharmacies and dozens of arrests across the globe. Information such as this was among the case developments disclosed at the national training workshop on 'Secured Medicines and Robust Pharmacovigilance', organised by the Partnership for Safe Medicines (PSM) India Initiative on Friday in the city.

"Spurious medicines pose a global and borderless threat and can impact any consumer regardless of age, income or geographic location. We must protect patients by educating them on the importance of choosing safe medicines," said Scott LaGanga, executive director of PSM.

Bejon Misra, trustee of the Consumer Online Foundation and founder of PSM India Initiative, said that though there are a lot of mechanisms to ensure safe medicines for consumers in India, a lot of work remains to be done. "India now serves as a model for other countries working to ensure safe medicines for consumers. However, work remains to be done and we must continue to share ideas that will only help us achieve our shared goals," he said.