CDSCO flags 196 drugs as Not of Standard Quality

ANI May 20, 2025 397 views

The CDSCO has flagged 196 drugs as Not of Standard Quality in April 2025. The list includes 60 samples from central labs and 136 from state testing facilities. A spurious drug was also detected in Bihar, manufactured under a fake brand name. The health ministry assures routine surveillance to remove such drugs from the market.

"Identification of drug samples as NSQ is done based on failure in quality parameters." – Union Health Ministry
New Delhi, May 20: According to recent report released under Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), 196 drugs have been found Not of Standard Quality (NSQ).

Key Points

1

60 drugs failed central lab tests

2

136 failed state lab checks

3

One spurious drug found in Bihar

4

CDSCO conducts monthly quality surveillance

The report, formed on the basis of a monthly surveillance activity, includes 60 drugs samples from Central Drugs Laboratories and 136 under State Drug Testing Laboratories.

"As per routine regulatory surveillance activity, the list of Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) and Spurious drugs are being displayed on CDSCO portal on monthly basis. For the month of April-2025, Central Drugs Laboratories have identified 60 Drug Samples to be Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) and State Drugs Testing Laboratories have identified 136 Drugs Samples as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ)," read the note issued by Union Health Ministry.

"Identification of drug samples as NSQ is done based on failure of the drug sample in one or the other specified quality parameters. The failure is specific to the drug products of the batch tested by the Government Laboratory and it does not warrant any concerns on the other drug products available in the market," it stated.

Additionally, in April, 2025, a drug sample from the state of Bihar was identified as spurious drug, which was manufactured by unauthorized manufacturer using brand name owned by other company.

The matter is under investigation and action will be taken as per Act & Rules.

This action of identifying NSQ and Spurious medicines is taken on regular basis in collaboration with state regulators to ensure that these drugs are identified and removed from the market.

Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is really concerning! We trust medicines with our lives and such reports shake our confidence. CDSCO must take strict action against manufacturers. Hope they also publish names of these companies so people can be aware. #PublicHealthFirst
P
Priya M.
Good that they're being transparent about this. But 196 drugs is a huge number! 😨 Government should increase random testing frequency and impose heavier penalties. Our healthcare system has enough challenges without substandard medicines.
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate the monitoring, I wish they would share more details about which specific medicines failed quality tests. As a consumer, how am I supposed to know if my medication is safe? Transparency is key in such matters.
S
Sunita R.
This is why I always buy medicines from reputed pharmacies, even if they cost more. Cheaper isn't always better when it comes to health. The spurious drug case from Bihar is particularly worrying - hope they catch those responsible soon.
V
Vikram J.
The system is working as it should - identifying problems and taking action. No country can have 100% perfect medicines, but regular monitoring helps maintain standards. Kudos to CDSCO for their vigilance. 🇮🇳
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Neha T.
Worried about rural areas where people might not hear about such alerts. Government should run awareness campaigns in regional languages too. Many poor patients buy whatever medicine the local shopkeeper suggests without knowing the risks.

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Tags:
CDSCO substandard drugs drug quality health ministry Bihar spurious drug