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49 medicine samples fail quality test, Himachal drug controller directs firms to recall stock

The substandard drugs manufactured in Himachal included medication for fever, heart attacks, and diabetes.

3 min readShimlaUpdated: Dec 20, 2025 10:02 PM IST

The failed samples originated from various districts: 28 from Solan, 18 from Sirmaur, and one from Una. (File Photo)

A quality check conducted by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has found 205 drug samples “not of standard quality (NSQ)”, Himachal Pradesh State Drug Controller Manish Kapoor Saturday said. Of the 295 medicine samples tested, 49 were manufactured by units based in Himachal Pradesh, according to the CDSCO’s monthly drug alert for November.

The substandard drugs manufactured in Himachal included medication for fever, heart attacks, and diabetes. The failed samples originated from various districts: 28 from Solan, 18 from Sirmaur, and one from Una. Notices have been issued to the respective companies, Kapoor said.

He said that in November, the CDSCO collected 65 samples, while the State Drug Controller collected 135 samples. Of these, 47 samples were identified as substandard.

During the testing process, 37 Himachal-made drugs failed quality checks at state drug testing laboratories, while 12 were declared NSQ at CDSCO’s central laboratories. The drug alert noted that a single company based in Kala Amb accounted for the highest number of failed samples from the state, with five medicines found non-compliant.

“Notices have been issued to the companies whose medicine samples failed the quality tests. They have also been asked to recall the stock from the market,” Kapoor said.

Explanations have been sought, and actions will be taken against the companies in accordance with regulations, he said.

“We have urged the general public to visit the website of CDSCO to know which medicines failed quality test. People should avoid purchasing the said medicines,” he added.

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The samples of medicines which failed the quality tests include Paracetamol for fever, Clopidogrel and Aspirin for heart attacks, Metformin for lowering blood sugar, Ramipril for heart conditions, Sodium Valproate for epilepsy, and Mebeverine Hydrochloride for reducing muscle spasms, along with several other medicines deemed substandard.

According to CDSCO, of the 205 NSQ drugs identified nationwide in November, 64 failed tests at central laboratories and 141 at state laboratories. Two drugs from the northern region, Ghaziabad, were also declared spurious.

Himachal Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil had earlier announced that companies with recurring failures would be blacklisted, and that the government has been taking action in that regard.

BJP state spokesperson Sandipani Bhardwaj meanwhile hit out at the state government over the failure of drug samples in Himachal Pradesh, calling it a serious issue directly linked to public health and a result of gross administrative negligence. He said the failure of 47 drug samples manufactured in the state clearly indicates a collapse of the manufacturing and quality control mechanism

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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