Over 50 drugs fail quality tests in 2024

• Some of the drugs identified have been withdrawn, withheld, or discontinued

By Sheain Fernandopulle   

A total of 51 drugs have failed quality tests so far in 2024 recording the highest number of quality failures of drugs in a year, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.   
Of the drugs that have failed quality tests, about 27 were manufactured in India, while 07 drugs were locally produced and the others had originated from countries like China, Kenya, Pakistan, Japan and Bangladesh etc.   
Among the drugs identified as having failed the quality tests, some have been withdrawn, withheld or discontinued.   
According to the Health Ministry, there have been a total of 600 cases of quality failures since 2017. The highest number of such cases numbering 96 were reported in 2019, while 86 drugs had failed quality tests in 2022.   
The quality issues in drugs made headlines with several complications and deaths being reported in 2023.