112 drug samples fail to clear CDSCO test, 11 manufactured in Punjab; pharma companies under scrutiny
PTC News Desk: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has raised alarming concerns over the quality medicines across the country. According to its latest report, a total of 112 drug samples have failed quality tests, including 11 medicines manufactured in Punjab.
The highest number of failed samples — 49 — are from Himachal Pradesh, followed by 16 from Gujarat, 12 from Uttarakhand, 11 from Punjab, and 6 from Madhya Pradesh, among others. Shockingly, three cough syrups also failed the test, one of which was found to be counterfeit.
These medicines are used to treat serious ailments such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, infections, pain, inflammation, anemia, and epilepsy. Just a few days ago, the Punjab government had banned the use of eight medicines, including the Coldrif cough syrup.
Drug testing conducted in 52 laboratories across the country
According to the report issued in September 2025, testing was conducted in both central and state-level laboratories across India. Of the total, 52 medicines failed quality standards at the central level, while 60 failed at the state level. The highest number of failed samples — 49 — were from Himachal Pradesh, followed by 16 from Gujarat, 12 from Uttarakhand, 11 from Punjab, and 6 from Madhya Pradesh.
Notices have been issued to the pharmaceutical companies in Punjab whose 11 drug samples failed the quality tests. The process of withdrawing the corresponding batches from the market has also been accelerated.
- PTC NEWS
