Shimla
In a troubling development for public health, 73 medicines manufactured in Himachal Pradesh have failed quality tests, forming a major chunk of the 194 drug samples declared substandard across India.
The findings, released by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), flagged these medicines as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), raising serious concerns over safety and manufacturing standards.
Most of the failed samples originated from Himachal’s key pharma hubs—Baddi, Nalagarh, Paonta Sahib, Kala Amb and Solan—which collectively form one of India’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturing clusters. The affected drugs include treatments for fever, infections, blood pressure, diabetes, and gastric disorders, making the issue particularly alarming for everyday patients.
Regulatory authorities have issued notices to the companies involved and initiated action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The identified batches are being recalled from the market to prevent potential health risks.
Experts say the situation is serious, given that Himachal Pradesh contributes a significant share to India’s medicine production. Repeated instances of substandard drugs have now triggered demands for stricter quality checks, tighter regulation, and greater accountability within the pharma industry.
