A new report from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) in New Delhi revealed a major safety concern, as 211 drug samples found ‘Not of Standard Quality’ in India during October 2025. Officials explained that this sharp rise in poor-quality medicines shows why India must take stronger steps to protect patients who rely on daily drugs for treatment.
The CDSCO worked with Central and state drug testing labs to check thousands of samples across the country. Their combined data showed that 63 samples failed quality tests in Central Drugs Laboratories, while 148 samples failed in State Drugs Testing Laboratories. Because of this huge jump from 112 NSQ samples in September to 211 in October, experts now worry about gaps in manufacturing and supply chains that reach pharmacies across India.
Moreover, when a drug is marked NSQ, it means it failed important checks such as potency, stability, or purity. These checks help ensure that every batch works the way it should. Health officials stressed that even if one batch fails, other batches from the same company may still be safe. They encouraged people to stay alert but calm while authorities continue investigations.
Along with NSQ medicines, the CDSCO also detected three spurious drug samples in October, including two from Delhi. Spurious drugs often come from illegal manufacturers who copy the brand name of real medicines. Because they may contain harmful or unknown substances, experts consider them extremely dangerous. Therefore, investigators have already started taking action to track their source and remove them from markets.
Furthermore, this rise in unsafe medicines shows why India needs stronger checks on production sites, supply chains, and online drug sales. Many companies now distribute medicines through e-pharmacies, and regulators want to ensure that every platform follows strict safety rules. Experts also suggest using better tracking systems like QR codes on medicine strips. So customers can confirm if their medication is genuine.
CDSCO officials also highlighted that they publish monthly reports to keep the public informed. This transparency builds trust and helps doctors, pharmacists, and patients understand what risks may exist. Because Punjab and nearby regions depend heavily on both government and private pharmacies, awareness becomes even more important.
Additionally, poor-quality medicines can cause treatment failure, longer illnesses, and even dangerous side effects. For patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, heart issues, or infections, unsafe drugs can put their lives at risk. This is why experts want stronger coordination between manufacturers, regulators, and health workers.
As India’s demand for medicines continues to grow, both government and community members must work together to ensure drug safety. People should report suspicious medicines, look for proper labels, and buy from trusted pharmacies. With continued testing and stronger laws, India can reduce unsafe drugs and improve public health.
In conclusion, the CDSCO report on 211 drug samples found ‘Not of Standard Quality’ in India highlights the urgent need for strict monitoring, better transparency, and stronger action to protect millions who rely on safe medication.
