Supreme Court Seeks State Responses on ARV Drug Quality Concerns

The Supreme Court requested responses from the Centre and states concerning the quality of anti-retroviral therapy drugs. The petition, led by an NGO, highlighted concerns over drug supply and procurement processes. Responses are due in a month for a hearing on April 4, as the Centre assures drug availability.

The Supreme Court on Monday instructed the Centre and the states to respond to issues concerning the quality of anti-retroviral therapy (ARV) drugs used for HIV treatment. The directive is part of an ongoing case initiated by the NGO Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS, which has raised significant concerns about drug supply adequacy and procurement processes.

During the hearing, held by a bench comprising Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan, it was noted that only four states have so far addressed the petitioners' affidavit. The affidavit underscores pressing issues surrounding ARV drug procurement and quality assurance. The bench has now directed all states to submit their responses within a month, ahead of an April 4 hearing.

Last year, the Centre assured the apex court of sufficient ARV drug supplies nationwide under the National AIDS Control Programme, emphasizing the drugs' availability through designated therapy centres. However, despite these assurances, the petitioners continue to raise alarms regarding procurement transparency and drug quality, emphasizing the need for accountability to prevent treatment disruptions.