In order to improve drug quality and stop manufacturing of sub standard medicines, Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has introduced a new scheme to motivate people to supplement the government's efforts.

Under the new policy, anyone giving specific information about spurious, adulterated, misbranded and sub-standard drugs, cosmetics and medical devices, will be given a monetary reward. The Drug Controller General of India, with other officials, will ensure the proper functioning of the reward scheme.

The Health Minister said: "I propose to introduce a whistleblower policy seeking people's participation in providing information on any unlawful activity in the manufacture of drugs. Under the policy, the informer would also be entitled to a monetary reward. The details of the scheme are being worked out."

The minister unveiled various changes that would be initiated to introduce common manufacturing practices across India. A Central Drug Authority would be created by making changes in the in the amendment Bill for the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

CDSCO is conducting an all India survey to assess the extent of availability of spurious drugs in the country. The data is being collected by testing samples from different regions and states.