Archive · 24 Jul 2025
India Intensifies Crackdown on Substandard, Spurious Drugs
Imagine the government checks medicines to make sure they are safe and work.
Last year, they found thousands of medicines that weren't up to standard or were fake.
The government is cracking down on this by testing many medicines and taking legal action against anyone who makes or sells bad ones.
They are working hard to protect people from unsafe medicines.
They want to ensure that only good and safe medicines are available in the market for everyone.
India identified 3,104 substandard drugs and 245 spurious drugs in FY25.
The government tested 116,323 drug samples last year.
Legal actions against those involved in illicit activities increased to 961 in FY25.
Government is committed to eradicating dangerous and substandard medicines.
Existing laws cover counterfeit medicines under categories like 'spurious' and 'adulterated'.
- Who
- Union health minister J.P. Nadda informed Parliament about the data.
- What
- India detected substandard and spurious drugs.
- When
- The data is from FY25, with comparisons to previous years.
- Where
- Across India.
- Why
- To safeguard public health by ensuring safe and effective medicines.
Public Health Advocates
Pharmaceutical Industry
Stricter Regulations
Public Health Advocates
Public Health Advocates: Emphasize the importance of rigorous drug testing and enforcement to protect the public from harmful medications.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Drug Manufacturers: May argue about the impact on the pharmaceutical industry or the burden of compliance.
- NSQ Drugs (FY25)
- 3,104
- Spurious/Adulterated Drugs (FY25)
- 245
- Drug Samples Tested (FY25)
- 116,323
- Legal Actions (FY25)
- 961
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act
- 1940