Concern mounts over poor quality drugs from Himachal pharma firms

Shimla, Mar 21

In a recent investigation by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), serious issues have surfaced regarding the quality of medicines produced in Himachal Pradesh. Almost half of the medicine samples declared sub-standard at the national level belong to the pharmaceutical companies of Himachal, with one from a renowned company being exposed as counterfeit.

These substandard medications span various essential treatments, from pain relief to fever and infections. Shockingly, even cough syrups were found to be problematic, with one containing harmful levels of a substance.

The drug alert for the month of February issued by CDSCO has revealed that these medicines were manufactured in pharmaceutical industries located in Baddi, Solan, Kala Amb, Paonta Sahib, Nalagarh, Barotiwala, Mehatpur and Sansarpur Terrace.  Apart from this, samples of 26 medicines manufactured in pharmaceutical industries of other states of the country have also failed the test.

State Drug Controller Manish Kapoor confirmed that all the concerned pharmaceutical companies included in CDACO’s drug alert have been issued show cause notices and directed to recall the concerned batch. Apart from this, strict action is being taken against those industries whose samples are repeatedly failing.

While the majority of medicines passed quality tests, the discovery of two fake drugs underscores the ongoing challenge of ensuring safe and effective treatments. Samples of these medicines were collected by CDSCO and State Drug Control Authority for testing. The investigation was done in CDL Lab and the investigation report was released on Wednesday.

The medicines declared sub-standard include Aceclofenac and Paracetamol Tablets, Amoxicillin Oral Suspension, Bacterial Infections, Calcium and Vitamin D3 Tablets, Propofol Injection, Amikacin Injection, L-Asparaginase 10000, Tranexamic Acid Injection, Miconazole Nitrate and Luocinolone Acetonide Ointment, Cefodoxime. Contains Proxetil and Potassium Clavulanate Tablets. Ofloxacin and Ornidazole Tablets, A Broxol, Terbutaline Sulphate, Guaipay, Nesin and Menthol Syrup, Bronter Syrup, Cyvent-LX Syrup, Cofvon LS Syrup, Avtus -TG Syrup, Expotus-D Syrup, Roycof-DX Syrup, Cetliv-M, Diclofenac Sodium Injection, Montas L and Reremont-LC. Seven different types of cough syrups also feature on the list, including key ingredients like ethylene glycol (EG). Exceeding the permissible limits in Kofvon LS syrup manufactured by a firm based in Poanta Sahib has been cited as a major reason for declaring the medicine substandard.

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Himachalscape bureau

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.