New Delhi: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has released a concerning report for the month of September, identifying a range of popular medicines that fail to meet safety and quality standards. This revelation includes everyday medicines frequently used for common ailments such as cold, cough, and digestive issues. Notably, the list includes four widely-used drugs declared fake by CDSCO, including the popular calcium supplement Shelcal 500 and the antacid Pan D. An additional 49 medicines and formulations have also been labeled as sub-standard, raising serious health concerns for consumers who rely on them.
A Staggering Failure Rate: 51 Out of 67 Medicines Found Unsafe
CDSCO’s September investigation involved laboratory testing of 67 different medicines, with samples from both central and state laboratories. Alarmingly, results showed that a total of 51 medicines nearly 76% did not pass quality standards. Of these, 49 were found to be sub-standard, while four were classified as fake, casting a shadow on public health and safety practices. This report follows a similar warning issued last month, underscoring the need for vigilance among consumers who might unknowingly keep these medicines in their homes.
Everyday Medicines at Risk: Diabetes Drugs, Painkillers, Eye Drops, and Cough Syrups Fail Quality Tests
The CDSCO list includes a broad array of medications, from diabetes treatments and pain relief tablets to common cough syrups and eye drops, all deemed below standard. DCGI head Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi emphasized the organization’s commitment to rigorous testing, revealing that around 3,000 medicine samples are tested each month. Those that fail the quality benchmarks are promptly disclosed on CDSCO’s website, allowing consumers to stay informed.
Legal Measures to Ensure Consumer Safety
Raghuvanshi also confirmed that notices will be sent to manufacturers of both sub-standard and fake medicines, mandating an immediate withdrawal of these products from the market. While sub-standard or fake medicines may not directly lead to fatalities, they fail to provide the promised relief and pose hidden health risks. Consumers are urged to stay cautious, especially for over-the-counter drugs taken without consulting medical professionals, as even minor health risks can escalate due to compromised medicine quality.
