Himachal’s Pharma Industry Under Scrutiny: 38 Medicines Fail Quality Tests, Stocks Recalled

A recent investigation has revealed a troubling picture of India’s pharmaceutical sector, with 90 medicines across the country failing to meet quality standards. Of these, 38 were manufactured in Himachal Pradesh, a state often referred to as the “pharma hub of India.” This revelation has led authorities to take swift action against the manufacturers.

Strict Measures to Protect Consumers

State Drug Controller Manish Kapoor confirmed that notices have been issued to the offending pharmaceutical companies, initiating the process of license cancellation. Additionally, all stocks of the substandard medicines have been recalled to prevent them from reaching consumers, ensuring public safety remains a priority.

October’s Findings Highlight Himachal’s Contribution

Out of 34 drug samples tested nationwide in October, 14 substandard medicines originated from Himachal. These included:

• Sepkem for tonsillitis (Doxin Company, Jhadmajri)
• Cefoprox for bacterial infections (Chiros Pharma, Solan)
• Divalproex for epilepsy (Tas Med Company, Bhatoli Kalan)
• Beta Histine for dizziness (CMG Biotech, Kangra)
• Biocetamol for fever (Sky Map Pharmaceutical, Baddi)

The defective list also included drugs for asthma, blood pressure, and anti-vomiting injections, raising critical concerns over manufacturing practices.

Broader Concerns: Findings from Central Drug Control

The Central Drug Control Organization’s audit revealed an even graver picture, with 24 of 56 failed samples traced back to Himachal. Among these were essential drugs like:

• Liposomal for cancer (United Biotech, Baghwaniyan)
• Iron Sucrose for anemia (Martin & Brown, Baddi)
• Natomycin for fungal infections (Primus Pharmaceutical, Kala Amb)
• Rosuvistorin for cholesterol (Vidyashala Company, Kala Amb)
• Amoxicillin for pneumonia (Health Biotech, Baddi)

A Call for Rigorous Oversight

Himachal Pradesh’s significant contribution to India’s pharmaceutical output is now overshadowed by repeated lapses in quality assurance. The findings have pushed the state administration to intensify scrutiny and enforce stricter regulatory compliance. Penalties, including license revocations, are being considered for the companies involved.

Ensuring Public Health and Trust

This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in quality control mechanisms within India’s pharmaceutical sector. With public health at stake, it is imperative for manufacturers to uphold the highest standards of production, ensuring that life-saving medicines do not become a source of harm.