Tue Feb 25 16:02:48 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Demands Nationwide Recall of Contaminated Injectable Drugs

**Bengaluru, February 25, 2025** – Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao is demanding a nationwide recall of contaminated injectable drugs after nine such drugs failed sterility tests in the state’s government labs between January 1 and February 16. Minister Rao sent a letter to Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda last week urging the recall, but has yet to receive a response.

The issue came to light following five maternal deaths at Ballari district hospital attributed to contaminated injectables manufactured by Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals. While the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) subsequently halted the operations of Paschim Banga Pharmaceuticals, Minister Rao highlights that other contaminated drugs from various manufacturers remain on the market.

Rao criticized the central government’s inaction, stating that the lack of response extends to a previous January letter urging legislative reforms to improve drug quality nationwide. He vowed to personally meet Nadda if necessary to push for action.

Minister Rao emphasized the need for a nationwide system enabling states and central laboratories to share alerts on failed drug quality tests. He proposed a legal mandate for manufacturers to share sales records to facilitate the swift removal of contaminated drugs from the supply chain. Furthermore, he advocated for a system to alert medical professionals and patients about failing drugs. He stressed the importance of all states raising this issue to ensure public health and safety.

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