New Delhi:Amid the seasonal surge in viral infections and respiratory illnesse, the Delhi Drugs Control Department has launched a citywide inspection drive to detect and eliminate fake or substandard medicines used for treating fever, cold, cough, and flu-like symptoms. The campaign aims to safeguard public health by ensuring that only genuine and quality medicines reach patients during this high-demand season. With winter setting in and pollution levels climbing, officials have intensified checks across chemist shops, wholesalers, and distributors. According to a recent media report in the Hindustan Times, teams from the department are collecting random samples of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including paracetamol, antihistamines, decongestants, and cough syrups, for laboratory testing. The collected samples will be analyzed in government laboratories, and results are expected in the coming weeks. A senior official from the department stated that the drive was launched as a precautionary measure to prevent the circulation of spurious or low-quality medicines that often surface during peak flu seasons. The initiative comes despite the department not receiving any recent specific complaints, emphasizing a preventive and proactive approach in anticipation of increased medicine demand. Health experts have also warned that Delhi’s changing weather and high pollution levels are leading to a sharp rise in cases of Influenza A/B, H1N1, RSV, and other viral infections. Dr Rakesh Pandit, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Aakash Healthcare, stated that patients are increasingly presenting with symptoms such as sore throat, cough, fever, body pain, and congestion. He noted that most mild viral infections resolve within three to five days with rest, hydration, and symptomatic medication like paracetamol and antihistamines, but advised medical consultation if symptoms persist or worsen. Officials further told theHindustan Timesthat most of these OTC drugs are low-cost formulations manufactured by multiple companies under different brand names but contain the same active ingredients. The department’s drive is part of its ongoing effort to maintain medicine quality and safety standards across Delhi, especially during peak illness seasons. Public health authorities have also urged citizens to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use and self-medication, stressing the importance of consulting qualified doctors for persistent or severe symptoms.