Bhubaneswar, 2 December (H.S.): In a disturbing revelation highlighting growing concerns over public health safety, the Odisha government has reported a significant rise in the circulation of fake and substandard medicines across the state. The information was shared by Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling in a written reply to the Odisha Legislative Assembly, bringing the issue into sharp focus.
According to the government’s data, a total of 168 counterfeit and 388 substandard medicines have been detected in Odisha over the past four years. This widespread presence of spurious drugs has raised serious concerns among consumers, medical practitioners, and regulatory authorities, who fear the impact on patient safety and treatment outcomes.
Between 2021 and the financial year 2024–25, authorities seized fake medicines worth more than ₹2.5 crore. The substantial value of the seized stock reflects the scale at which illegal pharmaceutical operations are functioning in the open market, posing a direct threat to public health.
Breaking down the detections year-wise, the Health Minister reported that 79 fake medicines were identified in 2021, followed by 64 in 2022. In 2023, the number dropped to 14, while 11 counterfeit drugs have been detected so far in 2024. Alongside these, hundreds of low-quality medicines failed to meet standard testing parameters and were classified as substandard.
The disclosure has caused anxiety among the general public, especially those who rely heavily on local pharmacies for essential and life-saving medications. Experts warn that the consumption of adulterated or falsely labelled medicines can lead to serious health complications, including treatment failure, prolonged illness, drug resistance, and in severe cases, life-threatening conditions.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda
