Himachal Plans Tough Action Against Pharma Units Over Substandard Medicines

The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to tighten the screws on pharmaceutical companies repeatedly found manufacturing substandard medicines, with Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil warning that units compromising drug quality will not be allowed to continue operating in the state.

Expressing concern over the repeated failure of medicine samples in quality tests, Shandil said the government is considering stronger measures against companies that violate prescribed standards. The issue is expected to be taken up before the state Cabinet, where strengthening existing laws and introducing additional regulatory provisions may be considered.

The Health Minister made it clear that there would be no compromise on the quality and safety of medicines. The government is also considering measures that could prevent manufacturers found guilty of producing substandard drugs from setting up new industrial ventures in the future.

Shandil said companies cannot be allowed to compromise medicine quality for financial gain. He also credited the State Drug Controller for detecting medicines that fail to meet prescribed standards.

Under the existing system, whenever a drug sample fails a quality test, action is initiated against the manufacturer under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. This can include recalling the affected batch, issuing notices and conducting an independent investigation. Depending on the findings, authorities can also stop production or suspend or cancel a manufacturing licence.

93 Himachal-Made Drug Samples Fail Quality Tests

The issue has assumed greater significance as Himachal Pradesh is a major pharmaceutical manufacturing hub.

According to figures cited in the report, around 330 medicine samples manufactured across India have failed quality tests this year, including 93 produced in Himachal Pradesh. Some of the affected products were manufactured by pharmaceutical units in Solan district.

The figures also point to repeated quality failures in recent months. Nearly 62 samples of medicines manufactured in Himachal reportedly failed quality tests in August alone, while 82 samples produced in the state failed during 2025–26.

The Health Department has also reported that 1,471 medicine samples failed quality tests during the two-year period ending March 2025, highlighting the continuing challenge of maintaining drug quality and safety.

Of particular concern is the reported failure of syrups meant for children. Other failed samples include medicines used for fever, pain, cough, acidity, infections, anaemia, allergies, high blood pressure, heart-related ailments, inflammation, malaria and thyroid disorders. Some injections and vitamin supplements have also reportedly failed to meet prescribed standards.

With Himachal playing an important role in pharmaceutical manufacturing, the government is now signalling a tougher approach towards units that repeatedly fall short of quality requirements.