DHARAMSHALA: Seven drugs manufactured in Himachal Pradesh are among 50 medicines nationwide that failed to meet the quality standards, as per the latest review of regulator Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
The substandard drugs are prescribed for a variety of treatments, including those for infections, heart failure, kidney issues, vomiting, ulcers, blood pressure and anxiety.
The affected medicines manufactured in Himachal Pradesh are:
1. Cefixime (bacterial infection): Amster Lab Company, Bhatoli Kalan, Baddi, Solan district
2. Carvedilol (heart attack): Vidyasha Pharmaceutical Company, Kala Amb, Sirmaur district.
3. Neostigmine Injection (kidney issues) – Health Biotech Company, Sandoli, Baddi
4. Diphenhydramine (vomiting) – Kespen Pharmaceuticals, Ogli, Kala Amb.
5. Rabiprazole (ulcers): VIP Pharmaceutical Company, Manpura
6. Telmisartan (high blood pressure): Swish Garmiers Biotech Company, Mehatpur, Una district
7. Mucomelt (anxiety): MDC Pharmaceutical Company, Sai Marg, Baddi
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation conducted the sampling of these medicines across the country in April, leading to the discovery of these discrepancies. Samples from four companies in Solan district, two in Sirmaur, and one in Una failed to meet the required standards.
State Drug Controller Manish Kapoor stated that notices will be issued to the implicated pharmaceutical companies. The companies will face cancellation of their licenses for the non-compliant medicines and will be required to recall the affected stock from the market.
Additionally, the department will independently examine the samples within these industries to ensure compliance.
This development has raised concerns about the quality control processes within the pharmaceutical sector in Himachal Pradesh and has prompted a closer scrutiny of manufacturing practices to safeguard public health.
Manish Kapoor, State Drug Controller, said the drug control authorities aimed to reinforce stringent checks and uphold drug safety standards to prevent future occurrences.
