“Quramax” Wins in Court

On the 13th of January this year, the Tashkent Interdistrict Economic Court revoked the license granted to "Quramax Medikal" LLC, an enterprise under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, for engaging in pharmaceutical activities.  The court also prohibited the sale of all medicines belonging to the enterprise, which amounted to several million dollars.  Following an unsuccessful appeal to the Economic Court of Tashkent City, "Quramax" filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Court of Uzbekistan and successfully won the case.  Davron Akhmatov, the enterprise's lawyer, shared this information in an interview with QALAMPIR.UZ

"The Court of Cassation reviewed the case and overturned the decisions made by the lower courts.  While the previous decision ordered the destruction of all drugs, the claim by the Agency for the Development of the Pharmaceutical Network to only destroy the drugs "Dox-1 Max" and "Ambronol" was upheld.  Therefore, the decision to destroy all the enterprise's drugs is void," explained Akhmatov. 

However, prior to the cancellation of this decision, all drugs belonging to "Quramax Medikal" had already been removed from pharmacies in Uzbekistan.  The nationwide movement "Yuksalish" conducted an investigation to determine if these drugs were still being sold.

"The monitoring revealed that some pharmacies are still selling drugs that were suspended by the Ministry of Health.  In certain pharmacies in the Kashkadarya region (Karshi city) and Surkhandarya region (in the "Surkhan Markaziy" and "Dostlik" neighborhoods of Jarkurgan district), "Nolgripp Junior" anti-cough syrup, "Travamax," "Nolgripp," and "Sinepar" tablets and lozenges produced by the Indian company "Marion Biotech Pvt. Ltd." were found to be available on pharmacy shelves," stated the analysis by "Yuksalish."

Now, these drugs that were previously labeled as "banned" and "illegal" by the Ministry of Health and the nationwide "Yuksalish" movement are considered "legal."

The question remains: who will compensate the enterprise for its losses?

"Quramax Medikal" LLC has suffered significant financial losses due to the unwarranted and illegal suspension of medicines, and it continues to suffer.  After all, these are perishable drugs, not inert objects.  They have expiration dates.  Therefore, we are now faced with the loss of medicinal products that were suspended without valid reasons, resulting in material damage.  Additionally, our reputation has been damaged.  Restoring our former reputation will require time, money and effort.

State institutions should not have drawn preliminary conclusions without a court decision, investigations by relevant bodies, or a court verdict in criminal cases," the lawyer asserted. 

He also mentioned that the company intends to file a lawsuit against the state authorities for the material damage caused.  Furthermore, "Quramax Medikal" LLC had its license revoked by the Ministry of Health. 

For reference, during the Uzbekistan- India international health forum held in the capital on 13th-14th of April, the Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan addressed the issue of "Dox-1 Max" and emphasized the importance of protecting children in Uzbekistan.  He expressed deep concern about the incident, stating that they did not take the situation lightly and that they were equally worried. 

"We are also well aware that last December there was an unfortunate incident of a child's death in Summer Country, which was linked to an overdose and the supply of contaminated medicines from India companies. 

Mr. Minister, I want to assure you that India takes this matter very seriously.  India has earned the reputation of being the pharmacy of the world, supplying over $30 billion worth of pharmaceutical exports to countries worldwide, including highly developed and well-regulated nations like the United States and Europe.  We are committed to upholding India's image and ensuring that it is not tarnished.  The governments of Uzbekistan and India are in communication with each other.  Actions have been taken against the factories involved in India, including license suspensions, arrests, and ongoing investigations.  Similarly, I urge all of you involved in pharmaceutical export, import and the export of medical accessories from India to Uzbekistan to prioritize the highest quality and standards.

Uzbekistan is a significant market with a population of 36 million people.  Their focus on developing the healthcare sector is commendable, and India should stand as a partner and a friend, contributing to the growth of the healthcare sector in Uzbekistan," stated Manish Prabhat, the Indian Ambassador to Uzbekistan, while addressing Minister Amrillo Inoyatov. 

QALAMPIR.UZ took the opportunity to approach the Minister of Health of Uzbekistan and inquire about the condition of other children affected by "Dox-1 Max."
"From November-December, we brought 30 children who were infected with Dox-1 Max from all regions of the country to the National Children's Center.  We provided them with 100% treatment, and they have all been discharged and reunited with their families.  In the past three months, no new cases of illness have been reported," responded the minister to the question posed by QALAMPIR.UZ.