Karnataka recalls substandard drugs worth Rs 24.3 lakh following safety scare

Karnataka’s drug control authorities have recalled medicines valued at Rs 24.3 lakh after several samples failed quality checks during February and March. This follows a comprehensive inspection launched by the state’s drug administration department, which collected thousands of samples from pharmacies across Karnataka. These were tested in government laboratories located in Bengaluru, Hubballi, and Ballari.

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The intensified enforcement drive came in the wake of maternal deaths at Ballari District Hospital, where women undergoing C-sections were reportedly administered Ringer lactate IV fluids. Of the 196 batches tested, 113 were declared substandard, prompting legal action against the manufacturers. In total, 41 drug samples failed the March testing alone, resulting in the recall of these batches from the market and the filing of 78 legal cases.

Enforcement teams also inspected over 2,000 medical stores across the state, leading to the suspension of 215 drug licences due to regulatory violations. Additionally, 28 court cases were initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The most frequently failed drugs included formulations of paracetamol, azithromycin, sodium chloride injections, levocetirizine, metformin, vitamin D3, and iron-folic acid supplements.

To curb the circulation of substandard medicines, the government is developing a software platform to monitor the drug supply chain, with data on manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, trace faulty batches more effectively, and strengthen public health safeguards.