Banned tablets still available

Ranitidine tablets that were banned for fear of cancer, have not been withdrawn entirely from the Bangladesh market as yet, according to a newspaper report. It said these tablets, temporarily banned by the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) on September 30, were selling in many medicine shops in the city. The drug administration has imposed a temporary ban on import, production and sales of Ranitidine tablets, because the raw materials used might have led to cancer. The decision followed GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals' recall of Ranitidine tablets after an alleged detection of genotoxic nitrosamine NDMA by global, and Indian regulatory authorities.
However, the Ranitidine tablets are believed to be effective in treating ulcers and decreasing stomach acid. The report said many customers were still buying the tablets despite knowledge of its ban among some of them. It's very unfortunate that the authorities concerned have not yet withdrawn the tablets, nor could they ensure a complete halt on sales of them. We call upon the authorities concerned to make sure these harmful medicines are no more sold in the market. The value of human life is higher than some profit or loss in business.
Zahidul Islam
Lalmatia, Dhaka