Agartala: Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha on Tuesday informed the Tripura Legislative Assembly that the State Drugs Testing Laboratory (SDTL) has initiated action against 62 cases of “not of standard quality” (NSQ) medicines manufactured by pharmaceutical companies across the country.
Replying to a query raised by Congress MLA Gopal Chandra Roy, the Chief Minister stated that Tripura currently has a single State Drugs Testing Laboratory located in Agartala. He clarified that no spurious drugs were detected in the state during the 2024–25 financial year and so far in 2025–26.
Raising concerns, Roy questioned the adequacy of having only one testing laboratory in the state and demanded the establishment of such facilities in every district. He cited reports of large-scale spurious drug circulation across the country and expressed apprehension about the Northeast being vulnerable. He also questioned whether essential items such as saline and injections were being adequately tested.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Saha said that tests are conducted periodically based on suspicion. “Spurious drugs were last detected in Tripura in 2013, and none have been found since. However, NSQ drugs have been identified and appropriate measures are being taken,” he said. He added that 19 NSQ cases were reported in 2024–25, while 43 cases have been recorded so far in 2025–26.
In a supplementary query, Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman expressed concern over public safety and sought details on blacklisting of companies and action against wholesalers involved in procuring such medicines.
The Chief Minister reiterated that no spurious drugs have been detected in the state since 2013. He informed the House that regulatory actions have been initiated against NSQ cases, including suspension measures. Providing a break-up, he said stay orders were issued in 16 cases, three cases are pending in court, and action is underway in 40 cases. He further added that concerned pharmaceutical companies based in other states have been duly informed regarding the NSQ findings.
