Srinagar, June 28: Six drug samples collected from various districts of Kashmir have failed quality tests conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), raising concerns over the quality of medicines available in the market.
According to the latest monthly drug alert issued by CDSCO, the samples were declared “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ) after laboratory analysis found them failing to meet prescribed standards on various quality parameters. The failed samples were among the medicines tested as part of routine surveillance carried out by drug regulatory authorities.
Officials said that medicines declared NSQ do not conform to the quality specifications laid down under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules. Following the report, the concerned drug control authorities are expected to initiate regulatory action, including investigations into the manufacturers, distributors and supply chains of the affected batches.
The CDSCO conducts regular sampling and testing of medicines across the country to ensure that substandard drugs are identified and removed from circulation. The regulator has clarified in previous alerts that NSQ findings are generally batch-specific and do not necessarily indicate defects in all batches of the same product.
Health experts have advised consumers not to panic but urged pharmacists and healthcare institutions to remain vigilant and comply with any recall or withdrawal orders issued by the authorities.
The latest alert comes amid continued nationwide surveillance by CDSCO, which recently flagged several drug samples across India for failing quality standards during routine testing.
Authorities have urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and report any suspected quality issues to the Drug Control Department.
