Himachal Drug Safety: Only 168 NSQ Samples in 3 Years

Recent data from Himachal Pradesh indicates a high level of compliance in its pharmaceutical sector. Over the last three years, out of 12,034 drug samples collected, a mere 168 were classified as not of standard quality (NSQ). This low rate of substandard products has been highlighted in a written reply by the state government during the ongoing assembly session.

The state government further detailed that legal action was initiated in 40 cases and administrative actions in 52 cases under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, concerning the NSQ samples. Investigations into 65 cases, including 11 related to manufacturing units, revealed that after challenges and further scrutiny, nine reports were confirmed as substandard, while two were re-evaluated as standard quality.

In parallel, the state has strengthened its quality control infrastructure. The Drug Testing Laboratory in Baddi, operational since January 8, has received National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) accreditation. Additionally, a combined testing laboratory in Kandaghat, Solan district, analyzes both food items and medicines, contributing to overall product safety assurance.