CDSCO Flags 189 Substandard Drugs in June; Karnataka Tops with 53
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has flagged 189 drug samples as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) in June 2025, sparking concerns over the quality of medicines available in the Indian market. The alarming figure is a stark reminder of the need for stricter regulations and enhanced surveillance to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs consumed by the public.
According to the CDSCO’s monthly alert for June 2025, Karnataka reported the highest number of failed drug samples, with a whopping 53 out of the total 189 samples not meeting the required standards. This is a significant increase from the previous month, when Karnataka had reported 25 NSQ samples.
The failed drugs spanned a wide range of categories, including antibiotics, paracetamol, psychiatric medicines, and injectables. Many of these drugs were found to be contaminated, improperly formulated, or incorrectly labelled, which can have serious consequences for patients who consume them.
The CDSCO’s monthly alert is a vital tool for healthcare professionals, patients, and regulatory authorities to stay informed about the quality of drugs available in the market. The alert provides a detailed breakdown of the failed drug samples, including the category, brand name, and the reasons for non-compliance.
The CDSCO’s findings are a cause for concern, especially considering the fact that many of these drugs are being consumed by patients who are already vulnerable due to various health conditions. The use of substandard or contaminated drugs can lead to serious adverse reactions, including hospitalization, disability, and even death.
The high number of failed drug samples in Karnataka is a wake-up call for the state’s drug regulatory authorities to strengthen their surveillance mechanisms and take strict action against manufacturers who fail to comply with the required standards. The state government must also ensure that there is adequate training and capacity building for drug inspectors to detect and prevent the sale of substandard drugs.
The CDSCO’s monthly alert is a clear indication that the problem of substandard drugs is not limited to any one state or region. It is a national issue that requires a coordinated effort from all stakeholders, including the government, regulatory authorities, and the pharmaceutical industry.
In recent years, there have been several instances of substandard drugs being detected in various parts of the country. In 2020, the CDSCO had flagged 1,234 drug samples as NSQ, while in 2022, the number rose to 1,631. These figures are a stark reminder of the need for enhanced vigilance and stricter regulations to ensure the quality of drugs available in the market.
The pharmaceutical industry must take responsibility for ensuring the quality of their products and comply with the required standards. Manufacturers must also ensure that their products are properly tested and batch-wise certification is done to avoid any contamination or improper formulation.
In conclusion, the CDSCO’s flagging of 189 substandard drugs in June 2025 is a serious concern that requires immediate attention. The high number of failed drug samples in Karnataka is a particular cause for concern, and the state government must take swift action to address the issue. The pharmaceutical industry must also ensure that their products meet the required standards, and regulatory authorities must strengthen their surveillance mechanisms to prevent the sale of substandard drugs.
