A new government report has revealed that 196 batches of widely used drugs, such as paracetamol and blood pressure medications, failed quality norms in routine tests. India's leading drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), conducted nearly 3,000 samples of medicines across the country during April 2025. All medicines were cleared except for some batches produced by well-established companies.
Here's what happened
According to routine monthly tests that have been practiced, the CDSCO has been collecting medicine samples from various states for quality inspection.
This year, when the CDSCO team took samples for the month of April, the report states that out of nearly 3,000 samples, 196 batches did not meet standards. One sample from Bihar was spiked. 60 failed samples were analyzed at central labs and 136 at state labs. Most of these medicines were manufactured in Himachal Pradesh.
Which medicines were impacted?
Some of the failed batches include:
- Paracetamol 500mg (for pain and fever)
- Telmisartan (for hypertension)
- Glimepiride (for diabetes)
- Metronidazole (for infections)
- Shelcal 500, Pan D, Cepodem XP 50 (general medicines prescribed)
Note: Certain batches only failed—not all medicines with these names are of poor quality. Most medicines sold are safe.
Flagged medicines, raising some serious concerns
Medicines not of standard quality will not perform as they should and may have side effects.
'Not of Standard Quality' (NSQ) is where the batch did not meet the appropriate quality, but it is not always dangerous. But a false (counterfeit) medicine is harmful.
Actions taken
The CDSCO has directed the removal of the failed batches from the market. Legal action will also be initiated against the companies that produced these batches.
In the public interest
It is to be observed that the majority of medicines are safe.
But still, checking the batch number of the medicine pack is advisable.
Overall, this government move indicates that medicine quality is being monitored from time to time to ensure that people are safe. If there are any noticeable issues regarding medicines, doctor's advice is advisable.