3,053 Drugs Found Substandard & 424 Adulterated in FY 22-23: Govt Reports

In FY 2022-23, a total of 96,713 drug samples were tested, of which 3,053 were found not to meet standard quality.

The Indian government reported that 3,053 drugs were found to be substandard, and 424 were declared spurious or adulterated during the financial year 2022-23.

This information was shared by union minister of state for health and family welfare Anupriya Patel in a written reply in Lok Sabha.

Additionally, 1,394 batches of drugs, valued at over INR 16.88 Cr, were recalled during the same period. For comparison, 1,171 batches, valued at INR 16.47 Cr, were recalled in the previous fiscal year.

Drug Testing & Quality Control Efforts

In FY 2022-23, a total of 96,713 drug samples were tested, of which 3,053 were found not to meet standard quality. In the preceding year, 88,844 samples were tested, with 2,545 deemed substandard and 379 identified as spurious or adulterated.

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), along with state drug controllers, conducted risk-based inspections of over 400 premises in the last fiscal year to ensure compliance and quality control.

In response to a query about preparedness for future pandemics or public health emergencies, Minister Patel emphasized that the central health ministry continues to provide support to all states and UTs to bolster their capabilities.

The integrated health information platform (IHIP) has been enhanced to strengthen the integrated disease surveillance programme (IDSP), which aids in disease surveillance and management.

The IDSP system includes trained multi-disciplinary rapid response teams (RRTs) that facilitate decentralized responses to public health threats.

Advancements in Disease Surveillance

The upgraded IHIP platform enables advanced data modeling and analytical tools, providing real-time data reporting accessible at all administrative levels.

Furthermore, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has expanded its network to include over 150 virus research and diagnostic laboratories (VRDLs) for prompt laboratory-based pathogen diagnosis.

The Lok Sabha was informed that financial support has been extended to states and UTs to strengthen their health systems and address public health emergencies.

During FY 2020-21, INR 8473.73 Cr was released under India's COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package (ECRP-I) to bolster health infrastructure.

In Phase II of the package, an additional INR 12,740.22 Cr was provided to further enhance medical logistics and infrastructure.

In another development, last month, Union Minister JP Nadda, alongside Minister Anupriya Patel, reviewed the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), emphasizing upgrading all drug and medical device plants to world-class standards within three years.

The meeting focused on enhancing drug security, achieving self-reliance in medical devices, expanding the Jan Aushadhi Scheme, and making medicines more affordable, aligning with the PM's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.