Delhi High Court demands Centre's stance on Ranitidine safety review delay

The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to file its response on a petition questioning the continued delay in a safety review of Ranitidine, a widely prescribed medication used to treat acidity and heartburn. The court's order comes as part of ongoing proceedings that seek clarity on regulatory action regarding the drug's safety profile.

According to the petition filed before the court, the safety of Ranitidine has remained an unresolved concern since September 2019, raising questions about the regulatory oversight of the medication. The petitioner contends that despite multiple years passing since concerns were first raised, no comprehensive safety review has been completed or made public.

Ranitidine, available under various brand names across India, has been a subject of regulatory scrutiny globally. The petition suggests that Indian health authorities have not adequately addressed safety issues that have been identified and acted upon in other countries.

The High Court's intervention seeks to ensure that regulatory authorities provide a clear timeline and comprehensive response regarding the status of the safety review and any protective measures being considered for consumers. The court has now called upon the Centre to substantiate its position on the matter in subsequent hearings.