logo
Substandard quality in 3,104 drugs, 245 found spurious in FY25: JP Nadda

Substandard quality in 3,104 drugs, 245 found spurious in FY25: JP Nadda

Since December 2022, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has inspected 905 drug manufacturing and testing units, resulting in 694 regulatory actions, Nadda said
Rahul Goreja New Delhi
Between April 2024 and March 2025, a total of 3,104 drug samples were declared not of standard quality, while 245 were found to be spurious or adulterated, the government informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. These results came from 1,16,323 drug samples tested across the country during the period.
The data was shared by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda in response to a question on the prevalence of substandard and spurious drugs in the country.
Nadda also stated that between April 2023 and March 2024, a total of 1,06,150 drug samples were tested, out of which 2,988 were found to be not of standard quality and 282 were identified as spurious.
Risk-based inspections and regulatory action
Since December 2022, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has inspected 905 drug manufacturing and testing units, resulting in 694 regulatory actions, including stop production or testing orders, licence suspensions or cancellations, warning letters, and show-cause notices, Nadda said.
He further added that manufacturers whose drugs fail quality checks are required to immediately recall and halt further distribution of those batches.
As for whether the government plans to publish a list of compliant drug manufacturers to rebuild public trust, Nadda said that CDSCO already uploads alerts about drugs declared not of standard quality, spurious, misbranded or adulterated on its website under the 'Drug Alert' section.
Funding and policy initiatives
To address broader challenges in drug quality, the government is implementing the Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) scheme, which includes support for common facilities, technology upgrades for small and medium enterprises, and promotion of research and knowledge-sharing.
The ministry of health and family welfare is also running a centrally sponsored scheme - Strengthening of States' Drug Regulatory System (SSDRS) - with an approved outlay of ₹850 crore, Nadda said, adding that the funding has supported the construction of 17 new drug testing labs and the upgradation of 24 existing labs.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Parliamentary proceedings: In five years, 295% rise in the number of people seeking de-addiction treatment, govt. data shows
Parliamentary proceedings: In five years, 295% rise in the number of people seeking de-addiction treatment, govt. data shows

The Hindu

time7 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Parliamentary proceedings: In five years, 295% rise in the number of people seeking de-addiction treatment, govt. data shows

In the past five years, the number of people seeking de-addiction treatment for substance abuse at government-supported facilities has seen a 295% rise, data tabled in the Parliament on Wednesday showed. The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment tabled comprehensive data on its National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, showing that various types of de-addiction centres supported by the Centre had treated 2.08 lakh people in 2020-21. This number had risen to over 8.23 lakh in 2024-25. The number of people seeking treatment for addiction from these centres has been consistently increasing in the last five years, even as government set up about 288 new de-addiction facilities in the same time period. This data on the increasing number of people seeking treatment for de-addiction comes as the Social Justice Ministry is preparing to launch a nationwide survey to study patterns of substance use and abuse in the country. This survey would build upon the one conducted in 2017-18 by the Nation Drug Dependence Treatment Centre at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi. Currently, the Union Social Justice Ministry supports a total of 696 de-addiction facilities of different categories. These include Integrated Rehabilitation Centres for Addicts, Outreach and Drop-in Centres, District De-Addiction Centres (DDACs), Community-based Peer Led Interventions, and Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATFs). Of these, 288 new ATFs and DDACs have come up in the last five years, government data showed. The data on people seeking treatment for addiction was put out by the Social Justice Ministry in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Swati Maliwal on Wednesday. Minister of State for Social Justice B.L. Verma, in his response said that, in 2024-25, ₹170.26 crore was released to the NGOs and voluntary organisations running the facilities. The 2017-18 survey on substance abuse had concluded that alcohol was the most used substance, with over 15 crore people estimated to be using it, of which around 30 lakh were estimated to be minors (between 10-17 years of age). This was followed by cannabis, opioids, sedatives, inhalants, cocaine, stimulants such as amphetamine, and hallucinogens, respectively.

Nearly 37% children under five stunted, govt data shows
Nearly 37% children under five stunted, govt data shows

The Hindu

time8 hours ago

  • The Hindu

Nearly 37% children under five stunted, govt data shows

About 37.07 per cent of children under five registered on the Poshan Tracker were found to be stunted, 15.93 per cent under weight and 5.46 per cent wasted, according to official data. 'Wasted' is a condition where a person, especially a child, is too thin for her or his height. In response to a question in Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur said Uttar Pradesh reported the highest rate of stunting at 48.83 per cent, followed closely by Jharkhand (43.26 per cent), Bihar (42.68 per cent) and Madhya Pradesh (42.09 per cent). Nearly 8.61 crore children up to the age of six were registered for these services as of June 2025, which is a slight decline from the previous year's 8.91 crore, according to the data. Further, Ms. Thakur said around two lakh Anganwadi centres are being upgraded into 'Saksham Anganwadis' with modern infrastructure and digital learning tools. As of now, 88,716 mini Anganwadis across 20 States and Union Territories have been approved for upgradation, she said in a written response.

When will India get its next Vice-President?
When will India get its next Vice-President?

First Post

time8 hours ago

  • First Post

When will India get its next Vice-President?

Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing health concerns, resigned as Vice-President on Monday (July 21). Now, the post of vice-president, who is also the ex-officio Chairman of Rajya Sabha, has fallen vacant. So, when will the next vice-president be elected? read more India's office of vice president fell vacant after now former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigned. File image/PTI Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation as Vice-President late Monday (July 21) night, citing health concerns. In a letter addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Dhankhar wrote, 'To prioritise health care and abide by medical advice, I hereby resign as the Vice-President of India, effective immediately, in accordance with Article 67(a) of the Constitution.' Though Dhankhar has resigned, he will remain in office till his successor takes charge. The Vice-President holds office for five years. The Constitution mandates under Articles 63 to 71 that a formal election for the Vice-President occur within 60 days of their resignation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The next Vice-President must thus be sworn in by September 19, 2025. Let's take a closer look at when this is likely to occur and how India will pick its next Vice-President.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store