New Delhi : The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has recently identified more than 50 medicines which have failed the drug quality test. Paracetamol is also included in these medicines, which is most commonly used over-the-counter in the treatment of cold, pain and fever.

In the report, the controlling board said calcium and vitamin-D3 supplements, diabetes and high blood pressure medicines are 'not of standard quality'. Expressing concern over the use of these medicines, the Board of Control said that there are many medicines in Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) which are being used extensively, which needs to be considered.

In this regard, senior official sources said, “Such a list is released every month and this shows that the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) is continuously monitoring the quality of medicines. Along with this, action is being taken against those manufacturing companies which are selling NSQ medicines.

Since this report came out, many questions remain among the people regarding medicines. Should their use be stopped now? Let us understand from the doctor.

Regarding reports of poor quality of medicines, officials said that NSQs are mostly minor in nature and are not life threatening.

However, many types of fears are now being seen in the minds of people regarding these medicines. To use them or not? Are there any side-effects from these? Should these medicines not be taken over-the-counter? Let us know the answers to all these questions from health experts.

Dr. Ishwar Gilada, infectious disease expert and honorary president of AIDS Society of India, has expressed concern over the questions arising regarding the quality of medicines. He said, around 53 medicines have been found to have failed the quality test, this matter seems very serious. We are at such a crossroads where on one hand we are the pharma capital of the world and on the other hand the quality of our medicines has not been found to be up to par. Action should be taken regarding this.

Talking to Amar Ujala about this, Dr. Shuchin Bajaj, Director of Ujala Cygnus Hospitals, says, NSQ simply means that the prescribed quality has not been followed in the factories where these medicines are manufactured. In such a situation, one should avoid consuming the medicines of the manufacturers for which NSQ has come.

Dr Shuchin says, questions have often been raised about fake medicines in the country. Many times demands have also been made that there should be some QR codes or quality checking methods on medicines. At present, to avoid medicines containing NSQ, check the medicine wrappers carefully. Only those medicines should be used which are manufactured in certified plants.

Dr. Shrey Srivastava of the Department of Internal Medicine in the hospital located in Greater Noida says that many of the medicines for which NSQ report has been issued were not being used much by the combination of medicines. People do not need to panic about this report.

The best way to avoid any side effects from medications is to minimize your use of over-the-counter medications. Taking medicines as per doctor's prescription is the safest way to avoid their side effects.