16 batches of Ringer’s Lactate from Bengal fail quality test, raise sterility concerns: CDSCO Report

Sixteen batches of Ringer’s Lactate, a saline solution produced by Siliguri-based private manufacturer West Bengal Pharmaceuticals, have failed quality tests, according to a recent report from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO). The report, covering drug tests conducted in January, identifies these batches as "Not of Standard Quality" due to concerns over their sterility. The failure of these batches follows extensive testing of 145 drug batches across the country, with several others also found to be substandard.

The CDSCO’s report highlighted that 93 batches were tested in state laboratories, and 52 were analyzed in central government labs. Among the substandard drugs flagged in the report were the 16 batches of Ringer’s Lactate, which did not meet the required sterility standards. The report specifically pointed to issues with bacterial contamination in the saline solution, raising serious concerns for public health. Other drugs, including Telma AM and Ondem-4, also failed to meet quality standards in separate batches.

CDSCO continues to collect drug samples monthly to ensure quality control and safety in the market. Each batch undergoes rigorous testing to verify its compliance with health standards. While the report focused on specific batches, authorities have increased surveillance on products from West Bengal Pharmaceuticals, and further tests are being carried out to assess whether other batches from the company might also be compromised.