PANAJI
The Mapusa Sessions Court has granted anticipatory bail to the manager of a local pharmaceutical firm accused in the alleged supply of counterfeit anti-snake venom to the Directorate of Health Services (DHS).
The case came to light after the DHS procured 1,082 vials of anti-snake venom worth Rs 4.99 lakh under a government tender, which required the medicine to be manufactured by Vins Bioproducts Ltd.
However, the company later informed the DHS that the supplied batch had not been produced by it, raising doubts over possible counterfeit stock.
Investigators said the supplier had obtained the vials from a Haryana-based distributor after failing to source them directly from the manufacturer. Laboratory test results are still awaited.
While granting bail, the court noted that the applicant had submitted documents showing the purchase trail. It also observed that whether he knowingly supplied counterfeit medicine would be decided during the trial.
The court further said that immediate arrest could affect the company’s business operations. Anticipatory bail was granted on a personal bond of Rs 50,000 with one surety of an equal amount.
The alleged supply of fake anti-snake venom has raised concern among Goa’s medical fraternity, with calls for stricter checks on the procurement and distribution of life-saving medicines.
