Bengaluru: Amid growing concerns over the supply of fake and substandard medicines, 301 batches of 98 types of drugs worth nearly Rs 19.2 crore were found to be “not of standard quality” (NSQ) in Karnataka in the last five years, according to health minister UT Khader.The state procures medicines through Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd and the drugs are subjected to quality checks as part of the procurement process. “KSMSCL has been procuring medicines through e-Aushadhi system since 2021-22. The procured medicines are subjected to quality testing in laboratories of the state drugs control department,” Khader told the legislative council recently.The govt blacklisted at least five firms for supplying NSQ drugs, according to his reply.NSQ drugs are those whose tested batches fail to meet prescribed quality standards for parameters such as strength, purity, safety or performance. The list of NSQ batches found in the state includes several medicines and medical supplies commonly used in healthcare facilities. These include paracetamol, ibuprofen, antibiotics, iron-folic acid preparations, IV fluids, sodium chloride, ringer lactate, vitamin preparations and several injectable drugs.In 2021-22, 77 batches of 16 drug types worth Rs 9 crore were found to be NSQ, the highest value recorded in a single year. In 2022-23, 18 batches of 15 drug types worth over Rs 1.2 crore were flagged and in 2023-24, 18 batches of 12 drug types were under scanner.The numbers show a sharp spike in 2024-25, when 146 batches involving 31 types of drugs and worth Rs 5.2 crore, were classified NSQ. According to KSMSCL officials, the higher numbers could be the outcome of Covid-19 times.In 2025-26, 39 batches of 21 drug types worth Rs 2.2 crore were classified as NSQ. In the current financial year, three batches worth nearly Rs 15.2 lakh have been flagged till Aug 18.“The department is taking action against drugs found to be NSQ. If a batch is declared such, the supplier is required to provide within 10 days fresh stock of standard quality,” Khader said.
