Central Labs Flag 32 Drug Samples as ‘Not of Standard Quality’ in August

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reported that 32 drug samples tested by central laboratories in August were deemed "not of standard quality" (NSQ), health ministry officials confirmed on Friday. Additionally, state drug testing laboratories identified 62 samples as NSQ, highlighting ongoing efforts to ensure pharmaceutical safety across India’s vast market.

The findings stem from routine regulatory surveillance, with monthly NSQ and spurious drug lists published on the CDSCO portal. The 32 central and 62 state-identified NSQ samples failed to meet specific quality parameters, such as potency, purity, or stability, though officials clarified that these failures are batch-specific and do not indicate broader issues with other drug products in circulation. The rigorous testing process underscores India’s commitment to maintaining high standards in its $50 billion pharmaceutical industry, a major global supplier of generic medicines.

In a concerning development, three samples from Bihar were flagged as spurious, produced by an unauthorised manufacturer misusing a legitimate company’s brand name. Authorities have launched an investigation, and regulatory action will follow under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Such incidents raise alarms about counterfeit drugs, which pose significant health risks and undermine trust in the healthcare system.

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The CDSCO, in collaboration with state regulators, conducts regular inspections and testing to swiftly identify and remove substandard or fake medicines from the market. This proactive approach, officials say, ensures consumer safety and upholds India’s reputation as a reliable pharmaceutical hub.

The public is encouraged to report suspicious drugs to local authorities to aid ongoing vigilance efforts.

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