Dip in quality failures of drugs in 2024

• Half of drugs failing quality tests from India 

By Sheain Fernandopulle  

The quality failures of drugs reported in 2024 was comparatively lower than the quality failures recorded in 2023, according to the Medical Supplies Division of the Health Ministry.  

Accordingly, a total of 87 quality failures of drugs were recorded in 2024 the majority of which involved drugs imported from India.  

Of the drugs that have failed quality tests, approximately 47 were manufactured in India, while 12 drugs were locally produced and the others had originated from countries such as China, Kenya, Pakistan, Japan and Bangladesh etc.   

Among the drugs identified as having failed the quality tests, some have been withdrawn, withheld or discontinued.Drug quality issues made headlines in 2023, with several complications and deaths being reported. That year saw the highest number of drug quality failures, with a total of 124 cases recorded.  Meanwhile, as of 2025, a total of 13 drugs have failed quality tests so far.   

In response to the recurring drug quality concerns, a senior official at the Health Ministry told Daily Mirror the Ministry is expected to introduce stricter import regulations and enhanced quality control measures.   The official also said steps are underway for further increased scrutiny of pharmaceutical suppliers and more frequent laboratory testing to ensure the safety of medications before they reach the public.