Major Quality Fail: 151 Medicines Found Substandard in Kolkata

Kolkata, India, has uncovered alarming deficiencies in the quality of medicines, with at least 151 drugs failing safety tests. The Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issued a notice revealing that these medicines, originating from the states of Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Gujarat, do not meet the required standards for effective treatment.

The testing was conducted at the Central Drug Laboratory in Kolkata, where investigators determined that many medications lacked essential ingredients necessary for treating serious conditions. As a result, the Drug Control Board has urged consumers to avoid purchasing these substandard products, detailing specific batch numbers for identification.

Types of Medicines Affected

The list of rejected drugs includes vital antibiotics, cancer treatments, and medications for urinary tract infections (UTIs). Notably, the Heparin injection, critical for cancer patients, was found to be subpar. This particular batch was sourced from Vadodara, Gujarat, and failed to meet quality benchmarks.

Other significant failures include Azithromycin tablets, produced by Gnosis Pharmaceuticals and originating from Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh. Additionally, the small intestine ulcer syrup Sucralfate (batch number RL2412-10) from Uttarakhand and the antibiotic Amoxicillin and Potassium Clavulanate (non-standard quality batch number BT240754) also did not pass quality tests. The latter was traced back to Solan, Himachal Pradesh.

The Amikacin Sulphate Injection (batch number 24AM19), crucial for preventing UTIs, was found unsatisfactory as well. Officials reported that this product originated from the Telangana-based company Sai Parenteral’s Limited. Furthermore, Dexamethasone tablets manufactured by United Bioceuticals in Hyderabad showed signs of adulteration, raising further concerns about the safety of these drugs.

Regulatory Actions and Implications

In light of these findings, the Drug Control Board has prohibited all retailers and wholesalers in West Bengal from stocking these medicines. This regulatory action underscores the urgency of addressing the safety and quality of pharmaceuticals available in the market.

The implications of these failures are significant, as the distribution of ineffective medications could jeopardize patient health, particularly for those relying on antibiotics and cancer treatments. The CDSCO’s proactive measures aim to protect consumers and maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain in India.

As investigations continue, health authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or questionable medications. The ongoing scrutiny highlights the critical need for stringent quality control mechanisms to ensure that all medicines meet safety standards and effectively treat the ailments for which they are prescribed.