Odisha has reported a troubling rise in counterfeit medicines, with 168 falsified drugs and 388 substandard medicines detected over the past four years.
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
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 health experts caution that fake drugs not only fail to treat illnesses but also pose significant risks to patients.
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