India’s drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), has released findings revealing that 3,104 drugs failed quality tests between April 2024 and March 2025. The data was shared by Union Health Minister JP Nadda in response to a query in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the country's ongoing battle against substandard and spurious drugs.

Key highlights:

Total NSQ drugs:

• 3,104 drug samples found to be "Not of Standard Quality" (NSQ).

• 245 drugs flagged as spurious, including commonly used medications like paracetamol and antibiotics.

Prosecutions:

• 961 prosecutions initiated for manufacturing, sale, and distribution of spurious or adulterated drugs between April 2024 and March 2025.

• 604 prosecutions in the previous year, 2023–2024, for similar offenses.

Categories of NSQ drugs:
Examples include Dextrose Injection, Azithromycin Tablets, Paracetamol Intravenous Infusion, and Telmisartan Tablets.Drug manufacturer accountability:
NSQ drugs are subject to recall, and manufacturers are required to cease distribution of these products. Legal action will be pursued based on investigation outcomes.Regulatory measures:

• The Drugs and Cosmetics Act defines spurious, adulterated, and misbranded drugs, including counterfeit medications.

• Manufacturing and distribution of spurious drugs is a punishable offense under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Government initiatives:

• The government is implementing the Strengthening of Pharmaceutical Industry (SPI) scheme to provide financial assistance for upgrading production facilities of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies.

• The Strengthening of States' Drug Regulatory System (SSDRS) scheme has seen the release of Rs 756 crore for the establishment of 17 new drug testing labs and the upgrade of 24 existing labs.

The findings underscore the ongoing challenges of ensuring drug quality in India. The government’s rigorous actions, including prosecuting those responsible for counterfeit and substandard drugs, and strengthening regulatory frameworks, highlight its commitment to safeguarding public health and improving the pharmaceutical supply chain.