Punjab health minister warns drug units: ‘No compromise on quality’

Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh has issued a stern call to all drug manufacturing units in the state to maintain uncompromising quality and safety standards, following a recent health incident in Madhya Pradesh linked to the consumption of cough syrup.

Chairing a meeting with representatives of Punjab’s Drug Manufacturing Units at Dr B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, the minister emphasised rigorous testing at every stage of production. He said raw materials must undergo strict testing before manufacturing, while cough syrups and other formulations must be thoroughly examined post-production. Such measures, he stressed, are vital “in the interest of innocent children and humanity at large”.
Dr Singh noted that although Punjab has reported no such case, heightened vigilance is essential. He added that the Bhagwant Singh Mann–led government is known for “maintaining high healthcare standards” and will continue to prioritise public safety.

Drug manufacturers raised several concerns related to the Central Drug Authority and the Central government. Responding to them, the minister assured, “The Punjab government stands with the industry. We will take up your concerns at an appropriate platform.”
Reaffirming the state’s stand on safe medicines, he said Punjab maintains “zero tolerance for spurious and sub-standard drugs” and urged manufacturers to comply with all prescribed norms.

He also informed participants that an Advisory Council has been set up to address industry issues and encouraged units to submit their representations so they can be discussed.
The meeting was attended by FDA Commissioner Dilraj Singh, Joint Commissioner Sandeep Garg, president of Drug Manufacturing Units Jagdeep Singh, and representatives from various pharmaceutical companies.