Kanpur has been rocked by alarming revelations of fake and substandard medicines being sold in its market. A laboratory analysis conducted by the Uttar Pradesh Drug Department over the last 10 months uncovered that several medications, including antibiotics and common remedies for gas, fever, and urinary infections, contained harmful substances like chalk and clay.Key Findings from the Drug Department's Report:

• Fake Medicines: 18 medicines were classified as fake.

• Substandard Quality: 23 medicines were found to be of poor quality.

• Misbranded Products: Two medicines were identified as misbranded.

These results are based on samples collected from raids conducted between January and October 2024. The implications of such findings are dire, as consuming these adulterated drugs can worsen patient conditions and lead to serious health complications.Fake Medicines from Well-Known Brands:
Even medications from reputed pharmaceutical companies such as Torrent Pharma, Macleods Pharma, Cadila, Alkem, Lupin, Aristo, Cipla Limited, Sun Pharma, Glenmark, Abbott, and Dr. Reddy’s were found to have counterfeit versions circulating in the market.During raids at locations including Medi Life Agency and Nigam Drugs Medical Store on Birhana Road, and New Gagan Chemist in Kaushalpuri, Nazirabad, samples of medicines were seized and sent for testing at the State Public Drug Laboratory, Lucknow. Results revealed:

• Seven medicines failed quality tests.

• Nine medicines were confirmed as fake.

• Two medicines were found to be substandard.

• Authorities sealed shops like New Gagan Chemist, seizing fake medicines worth ₹5 lakh.

Fake Injections in Government Hospitals:
Shockingly, even government hospital supplies were not spared. Amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate injections, intended to treat bacterial infections, failed efficacy tests. These injections, supplied by the Uttar Pradesh Medical Supplies Corporation Limited and administered at Ursula Hospital, were found to be of low quality.Examples of Fake and Substandard Medicines Identified:

• Fake Medicines: Pantocid, Zerodol SP, Omez D, Pan D Capsule, Urimax D, Chymoral Forte Tablet, Montair FX Tablet, and Aciloc RD.

• Substandard Medicines: Telma H, Apriz D 3, Chymoral Forte Tablet, Zerodol SP, Montair LC Tablet, Amoxicillin Potassium Clavulanate Injection, and Sompraz D 40.

Public Health Risks:
Drug Inspector Rekha Sachan highlighted the grave health risks of consuming adulterated medicines:

• Worsening Patient Conditions: Patients consuming ineffective medicines often experience deteriorating health.

• Increased Dosages: Doctors unknowingly increase medication dosages, leading to greater intake of harmful substances like chalk and clay.

• Public Vigilance Needed: Patients are advised to consult doctors and seek alternative medications if treatments fail to deliver expected results.

Government Response:
The Drug Department has intensified its raids and inspections to clamp down on the sale of fake and substandard drugs. Pharmaceutical companies, meanwhile, are urged to strengthen their supply chain monitoring and ensure quality compliance.The findings highlight an urgent need for stricter regulatory enforcement and increased public awareness to safeguard consumer health.