Key Facts
Himachal Pradesh's pharmaceutical industry faces renewed scrutiny as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) reported that 43 drugs manufactured in the state failed quality tests in May 2026. Nationwide, 157 drug samples were found substandard. In the first five months of 2026, a total of 264 samples from Himachal failed—January: 71, February: 73, March: 76, April: 31, and May: 43.
District-Wise Breakdown
Among the failed drugs, two were from Una district, 30 from Solan, and 11 from Sirmaur. State Drug Controller Dr. Manish Kapoor stated that action will be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act against the concerned companies, and instructions will be given to recall the stock from the market.
Failed Drugs and Companies
Notable failures include:
- Kalamb Kaspi Company: Vitamin-E drug (three consecutive samples failed)
- Mark Lab (Baddi): Kidney disease drug
- Ultra Drug: Fever medication
- JMAM Formulation: Anti-infection drug
- Martin and Brown: Acidity drug
- Wings Company (Baddi): Cholesterol drug
- Span Formulation: Epilepsy drug
- Leeford Healthcare (Baddi): Constipation drug
- Crest Life Sciences: Dry cough syrup
- Sepanix Life Sciences: Joint pain medication
- NDB Company: Allergy drug
- Espo Pharma: Cough syrup
- Marg Lab: Iron deficiency drug
- Wings Biotech: Cancer drug
- Vozmed Pharma: Diabetes drug
- Xenon: Asthma drug
- Moyosa Pharma: Gum disease drug
- Swiss Garnier: Blood sugar drug
- IBN Herbal: Fever drug
- Palena Remedies (Bhatoli): Allergy drug
- Kalamb Oropin Company: Bacterial infection drug
- Nixie Laboratory: Vitamin-E drug
- Hiller Lab (Baddi): Fever drug
- Mark Laboratory: Vomiting drug
Impact and Concerns
The repeated failures raise serious questions about quality control in Himachal's pharma sector. The state is a major manufacturing hub, and such lapses could affect patient safety and industry reputation. The drug controller has assured strict action.
What Readers Should Know
Consumers are advised to check batch numbers of medicines from these companies. The government is expected to intensify inspections. The CDSCO alert is a reminder of the importance of drug quality assurance.
FAQ
How many drugs failed quality tests in Himachal in May 2026?
43 drugs manufactured in Himachal failed quality tests in May 2026, as per CDSCO alert.
How many samples failed in the first five months of 2026?
A total of 264 drug samples from Himachal failed quality checks between January and May 2026.
What action is being taken against the companies?
State Drug Controller Dr. Manish Kapoor said action will be taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and stock recall instructions will be issued.
Which districts are involved?
Failed drugs were manufactured in Una (2 companies), Solan (30), and Sirmaur (11) districts.
Source: www.amarujala.com