2,988 drugs were declared ‘substandard’ in West Bengal in 2024

Surge in substandard drugs in West Bengal raises public health concerns, with government data revealing enforcement issues.

West Bengal has witnessed a surge in ‘substandard’ and ‘spurious’ drugs over the years, with 2,988 drugs being declared ‘not of standard quality’ between 2023-24, according to government data. This has raised questions on counterfeit medicines, public health concerns, and the effectiveness of enforcement. 

In the Rajya Sabha, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Samik Bhattacharya questioned the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on “the total quantity and market value of counterfeit medicines seized in West Bengal, and the number of raids and enforcement actions [carried out] by the CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) and Drugs Control Directorate”. 

Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel said in response that 1,06,150 drug samples had been tested in the past one year, and prosecution had been launched against 604 enterprises for the manufacture, sale and distribution of spurious/adulterated drugs.  

Senior doctor and public health administrator Subarna Goswami said the regulatory system to control drug quality in the country had weakened over the years. “The pharma sector is one of the most profit-making sectors and there is no price cap on most drugs in India. So, once the market is free, companies are using low grade products to make drugs, and get maximised profits,” Dr. Goswami said. 

He also said India had only a few testing labs, which led to a delay in reports. Dr. Goswami suggested all district-level government hospitals have mini testing labs for faster and more effective drug testing and quality control. 

Ms. Patel said 3,053 drugs were found to be below standard in West Bengal in 2022-23, and 2,545 drugs were found below standard in the year prior. In 2022-23, 424 drugs were declared spurious in the State, and 379 were declared spurious in the previous year. 

Mr. Bhattacharya also asked if any action had been taken against Paschim Banga Pharmaceutical for their involvement in the distribution of expired medicines, including in the death of a new mother after the alleged administration of expired Ringer’s Lactate from the said company.