Alarming Drug Quality Failures in Himachal Pradesh: 186 Samples Fail Nationwide

Significant Drug Quality Concerns in India

In a troubling report highlighting the critical state of drug safety across India, a total of 186 medicine samples have failed quality assessments, with 45 of these originating from Himachal Pradesh. This alarming information was disclosed in the June drug alert issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), drawing attention to the inadequately regulated pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors and the potential dangers they pose to public health.

Himachal Pradesh: A Hub for Substandard Drug Production

Himachal Pradesh, recognized as a significant center for pharmaceutical production, has been identified as a hotspot for the manufacturing of substandard drugs, particularly from companies located in Solan, Sirmaur, and Una districts.

Failed Samples Breakdown

Among the failed samples, Solan contributed 33, Sirmaur had nine, and Una reported three. The list of failed medications includes critical treatments such as antibiotics for fever and bacterial infections, injections for gastric issues, deworming tablets, and pain relief medications.

Concerning Antibiotic Failures

Particularly alarming are the failures of widely used antibiotics, including azithromycin and ofloxacin, along with essential medications like iron syrups and antihypertensive injections.

Specific Company Failures

A Baddi-based company reported simultaneous failures of two samples, one being Telmisartan, an injection for high blood pressure. Dutch Formulation, located in Kala Amb, Sirmaur, had three flagged drugs, including ofloxacin and azithromycin, both commonly prescribed for infections.

Quality Issues at Paradox Pharmaceuticals

Paradox Pharmaceuticals in Nalagarh faced significant quality control problems, with four failed samples, including two batches of azithromycin and one of amoxicillin, a vital antibiotic, along with another drug for gastric complications.

Medipol Pharmaceuticals Under Scrutiny

Additionally, Medipol Pharmaceuticals in Baddi has been scrutinized for its painkiller Brufen and an iron supplement syrup.

Regulatory Actions Underway

Manish Kapoor, the State Drug Controller, confirmed that notices have been dispatched to the implicated companies, and orders are being issued to withdraw the substandard products from the market. 'We will ensure that all unsafe stocks are recalled immediately and will investigate the lapses in manufacturing standards,' Kapoor stated.