167 drug samples flagged for quality lapses in December, Pg16

Key Highlights:

• The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reported 167 drug samples with quality lapses in December.
• Central Drug Laboratories identified 74 NSQ (Not of Standard Quality) samples.
• State drug testing laboratories found 93 samples failing to meet quality standards.
• The list of NSQ and spurious drugs is available on the CDSCO portal.

Detailed Insights:

• The CDSCO issues monthly drug alerts to maintain drug quality and protect public health.
• NSQ findings are specific to tested batches and don't necessarily indicate widespread issues.
• Continuous monitoring and testing are essential to ensure the availability of quality drugs.
• The Ministry emphasizes that the failure is specific to the tested batch by the Government Laboratory.

Key Concepts Involved:

• CDSCO: National regulatory body for pharmaceuticals and medical devices in India.
• NSQ Drugs: Drugs that do not meet the quality parameters as per the established standards.