Punjab Newsline | Shimla
Concerns over the quality of pharmaceutical products manufactured in Himachal Pradesh have resurfaced after the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reported that 43 drug samples produced in the state failed quality testing in May 2026. According to the latest CDSCO drug alert, these samples were among 157 medicines across the country that did not meet prescribed quality standards.
Data from the first five months of 2026 paints a worrying picture for the state's pharmaceutical sector. A total of 264 drug samples manufactured in Himachal Pradesh have failed quality checks so far this year. The month-wise figures include 71 samples in January, 73 in February, 76 in March, 31 in April and 43 in May.
The May report revealed that the substandard medicines were manufactured by two companies in Una district, 30 in Solan district and 11 in Sirmaur district. State Drug Controller Dr. Manish Kapoor said action would be initiated against the concerned manufacturers under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. He added that directions would also be issued to recall the affected batches from the market.
Among the companies flagged in the report, Kala Amb-based Caspin Company's Vitamin-E medicine failed quality tests for the third consecutive time. Other medicines found to be non-compliant include a kidney disease drug manufactured by Mark Lab, a fever medication produced by Ultra Drug, an anti-infection medicine by JMM Formulations, an acidity treatment by Mertin & Brown, a cholesterol-control drug by Wings Company and an anti-epilepsy medicine by Spain Formulations.
Several other products also failed laboratory testing, including medicines for constipation, dry cough, joint pain, allergies, cough treatment and iron deficiency manufactured by various pharmaceutical firms in Baddi. The report further identified drugs used for cancer treatment, diabetes, asthma, gum disease, blood sugar control and fever among those that did not meet quality standards.
Additional failed samples included allergy medication produced by Palena Remedies in Bhatoli, a bacterial infection drug manufactured by Oropin in Kala Amb, a Vitamin-E product by Nixi Laboratory, a fever medicine by Hiller Lab in Baddi and an anti-vomiting drug produced by Mark Laboratory.
The repeated failures have raised concerns about quality control mechanisms within Himachal Pradesh's pharmaceutical industry, one of India's leading drug manufacturing hubs. Regulatory authorities are expected to intensify monitoring and enforcement measures to ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.
