Again, categorizing non-lifesaving drugs only as vegetarian or nonvegetarian is also absurd as there is no fixed criteria to categorize drugs as lifesaving or nonlifesaving, as depending on patient's condition, an ordinary drug may become lifesaving. As many of the medical products are of nonvegetarian origin, choice cannot be left to individuals when it comes to community health.
In another case by the Indian Soaps and Toiletries Makers Association versus Ozair Husain, (2013) 3 SCC 641-A, the Supreme Court mentioned that, in terms of medical conditions, life of patient is of utmost importance. Members further felt that it also cannot be certified that the contents in the capsule are purely of vegetarian origin, as many chemicals or ingredients of manufacturing system are of nonvegetarian origin. Further, the matter was referred to the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) where it was found that the matter pertains not only to drugs but also to other products and hence the matter is beyond the scope of the DTAB, and the Ministry of Health may take a policy decision on this in consultation with other ministries regarding this.
The story started with a proposal received to the CDSCO to replace gelatin capsules with cellulose-based capsules. Being vegetarian, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and starch capsule shells share religious and food preference advantage. Coming to origin, gelatin capsules are typically of animal origin.
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