In a concerning development for the pharmaceutical industry, samples of 22 medicines manufactured in Himachal Pradesh have failed to meet quality standards.
Nationwide, a total of 52 medicines, including those produced in Himachal, have been found substandard, according to recent tests conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in May.
Three samples from G Laboratory in Paonta Sahib and two from Dexin Pharma in Jhadmajri were among those that failed the tests. Drug Controller Manish Kapoor said that notices would be issued to the offending drug manufacturers and efforts would be made to recall the substandard stock from the market.
The ratio of medicine samples taken in Himachal Pradesh is reportedly 90 per cent higher than in other states, indicating rigorous scrutiny. The CDSCO’s May testing revealed that medicines for various conditions, including throat infection, high blood pressure, cancer, pain, bacterial infections, ulcers, cough, allergies, viral infections, acidity, itching and fever, failed to meet required standards.
Failed samples included Metoprolol for blood pressure by Scatdali Company of Jhadmajri, Cefuroxime and Cefixime by Dexin Pharma for throat and other infections, Prednisolone for cancer by Wings Biotech of Baddi and Alpha Lipoic Acid for neuropathy by Neuro Pathic in Tahliwal, Una. Other notable failures were Telmisartan for BP by Bio Atlas Pharma of Baddi, Penta Prozol for ulcers by Hiller Lab of Baddi, Levosal for cough by WPB Pharma of Barotiwala and several medicines by G Laboratory, including Dexamethasone and Ceftriaxone.
Additional failed medicines include Montelukast for allergies by Alien Biotech in Katha, Ceftriaxone for bacterial infections by Cape Tape Company of Jhadmajri, Zetamycin for eye infections by G Laboratory, Sectraixon for viral infections by Integrated Company of Kala Amb, and Raboprazole for acidity by LV Life Science of Baddi. Pain and fever medications such as Labotage by Rekin Care Life Company of Nalagarh and Aceclofenac by Roma Pharma of Solan also did not meet standards.
