In a major health concern, 38 medicines manufactured in Himachal Pradesh, including those for diabetes, migraine, high blood pressure, digestive issues, Vitamin D-3 deficiency and infections, have been found substandard.
Among these, two batches of a migraine drug, supplied exclusively to government hospitals, were found substandard. Nationwide, 135 drug samples failed the quality tests conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the State Drug Controller in December.
State Drug Controller Manish Kapoor stated that companies responsible for the substandard medicines have been issued notices and their stock is being recalled. Additionally, the process to revoke their manufacturing licences has begun.
Companies facing drug recall
Several pharmaceutical companies in Himachal Pradesh have been affected by the findings. The notable failures include:
- Biodil Pharmaceutical, Nalagarh: Two samples of Divalproex
- CMG Biotech, Kangra: Betahistine
- Cipla, Nalagarh: Ocemet
- Admed Pharma, Baddi: Pantoprazole
- Orchid Medlife, Baddi: Zinc sulphate
- VedSP Pharmaceutical, Jharmajri: Amoxicillin
- Kajon Pharmaceutical, Katha: Pantoprazole
- Knox Pharmaceutical, Baddi: Cefadroxil
- Medo Pharma, Baddi: Calcium carbonate
- Mevtor Biogenesis, Makloomajra: Cipax-500
- Neptune Life Sciences, Thana: Intraconazole
- Asterisk Healthcare, Haroli: Temcof-LS syrup
- Fogon Pharmaceutical, Barotiwala: Mouthwash
- Shamtri Life Sciences, Baddi: Meropenem injection-500
- Alliance Biotech, Katha: Rabeprazole injection
- Martin & Brown Biosciences, Makloomajra: Rabeprazole sodium injection
- Zinosis Pharmaceutical: Lignocaine
- Ozone Pharmaceutical, Baddi: Exbex suspension
