In 2023, a record-breaking number of 115 drugs have failed quality tests, marking the highest number of drug quality failures in a single year, as reported by the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.
Out of the drugs that did not meet quality standards, approximately 58 were manufactured in India, while 45 drugs were produced locally. The remaining drugs originated from countries such as China, Pakistan, Japan, and Bangladesh.
Among the drugs that failed quality tests, some have been withdrawn, withheld, or discontinued due to their substandard quality.
Furthermore, in May, a total of 35 batches of Flucloxacillin Cap were withdrawn, setting a new record since 2017 in terms of the number of batches. This particular drug was manufactured by the State Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Corporation in Ratmalana.
Since 2017, there have been nearly 600 cases of quality failures, according to the Health Ministry. The highest number of such cases, totaling 96, was reported in 2019, while 86 drugs failed quality tests in 2022.
The prevalence of quality issues in drugs has garnered significant attention, with numerous complications and deaths being reported in 2023.
