The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has recognized 145 drug samples as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) after thorough testing throughout India in February 2025. The increase in NSQ cases is due to more reporting by State drug control offices, enhancing quality monitoring.

Key Highlights:
Increased Reporting from State Drug Control Offices:

• CDSCO pointed out that State regulators have been actively involved in detecting and reporting NSQ drugs, which has resulted in improved quality control in the country.

• This is in line with CDSCO's continued efforts towards ensuring drug safety and removing substandard drugs from the market.

Breakdown of NSQ Identifications:

• 52 drug samples were found to fail tests at Central Drug Laboratories.

• 93 drug samples were detected as NSQ by State Drug Testing Laboratories.

NSQ Drugs Identified on a Routine Basis:

• CDSCO updates the NSQ drug list on its official website from time to time, maintaining transparency and regulatory action.

• A drug sample is considered NSQ if it does not meet any of the quality parameters defined while undergoing government laboratory testing.

Regulatory Action and Consumer Assurance:

• The failure is only for the particular batch of the drug that was tested and does not reflect issues with all products of the same brand.

• CDSCO, in association with State regulators, facilitates prompt removal of NSQ and spurious drugs from the market to safeguard public health.

CDSCO Statements:

• CDSCO reiterated that higher reporting of NSQ drugs promotes access to quality drugs in India and across the globe.

• "Notable feature of this month's NSQ reporting has been the sustained rise in participation of states in reporting NSQs to the central database.

• Enhanced reporting of NSQs/spurious identifications by states will further assist in enhancing availability of quality medicines in the country and elsewhere.

CDSCO also maintains its monthly regulatory monitoring to identify, report, and remove NSQ drugs to ensure high-quality pharmaceuticals. Patients and healthcare professionals are encouraged to check the CDSCO portal for information on substandard drugs.