Health Minister Reveals Shocking Counterfeit Drug Data
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Bureau,Odishabarta
Bhubaneswar, Dec 2: The alarming rise of counterfeit and substandard medicines in India has come under sharp focus, with official data revealing that 168 fake medicines and 388 low-quality drugs were identified between 2021 and 2024-25.
The information was disclosed in a written reply by the Odisha Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling during the Winter Session of the State Assembly, highlighting the scale of the challenge in ensuring drug safety.
According to the report, fake medicines worth more than Rs.2.5 crore were seized during this period. These counterfeit drugs were found circulating in markets, posing serious risks to public health.
Alongside, 388 medicines were classified as “Not of Standard Quality” (NSQ), meaning they failed to meet essential quality and efficacy benchmarks required for safe consumption.
168 fake medicines and 388 low-quality drugs identified in 4 years.
Counterfeit medicines worth over Rs.2.5 crore seized.
Govt intensifies monitoring and awareness to curb fake drugs
Beyond counterfeit drugs, 388 medicines were classified as “Not of Standard,” raising serious concerns about quality control and safety in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
The Minister emphasised that the government remains committed to tackling the menace of counterfeit medicines through strict enforcement and monitoring. Public healths experts caution that fake drugs not only fail to treat illnesses but also pose significant risks to patients.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling presented the figures in the State Assembly, warning of the growing threat to public health. Between 2021 and 2024, authorities seized fake medicines worth more than Rs 2.5 lakh.
The year-wise breakdown shows;
2021: 79 counterfeit medicines
2022: 64
2023: 14
2024: 11
