News
Pharmacy & healthcare news
Industry updates, regulation, and developments that matter to Indian pharmacies.
National cancer grid negotiates up to 85% discount on cancer drugs for member hospitals
Cancer patients in India are set to benefit from significant reductions in treatment costs after the National Cancer Grid (NCG) negotiated discounts of up to 85% for bulk procurement of essential cancer medicines.
Aug 23, 2025
Delhi government confirms most cancer drug samples tested from private pharmacies are genuine
The Delhi government has confirmed that most cancer drug samples collected from private pharmacies in June have been found to be genuine.
Aug 22, 2025
Four drugs for Rare Diseases to Hit Indian Market This Year
Four drugs for rare diseases approved under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme are expected to hit the Indian market this year, said Dr Vinod Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.
Aug 21, 2025
AKCDA Kollam to protest against social media advertising by discount pharmacies
A new controversy has emerged in Kerala’s medicine trade sector, with the Kollam district committee of the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA) taking a stand against local discount pharmacies using social media platforms for advertising. The AKCDA has raised concerns over medical shops sending unsolicited WhatsApp messages offering significant discounts on medicines, bypassing the Maximum Retail Price (MRP). The association has filed a complaint with the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and plans to protest against these practices.
Aug 20, 2025
University of Brighton Develops Handheld Sensor to Detect counterfeit medicines
Researchers at the University of Brighton have developed a new handheld device, the FakeMedSensor, to quickly, accurately, and affordably detect counterfeit medicines.
Aug 20, 2025
CDSCO flags 185 drugs as Not of standard quality, 4 samples identified as spurious
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has identified 185 drug samples as "Not of Standard Quality" (NSQ) in its latest monthly quality review for June. Of these, four samples were flagged as "spurious," including well-known drugs like Cefixime and Rosuvastatin. The monthly review highlights continuing concerns over the quality of medicines circulating in the market, though the Health Ministry assures that the findings do not raise immediate alarm for other drugs.
Aug 19, 2025
Delhi DCA issues advisory to chemist associations on misuse of Pregabalin & Tapentadol formulations
The Delhi Drug Control Administration (DCA) has issued a stern advisory to chemist and druggist associations in the National Capital Territory (NCT) to curb the misuse of pregabalin and tapentadol formulations. This move comes in response to rising concerns over the abuse of these drugs, which are being misused for intoxication or addiction. The advisory, issued on August 14, 2025, urges chemists to halt the over-the-counter (OTC) sale of these drugs and maintain strict compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Aug 19, 2025
DRI seizes 119.4 Kg Alprazolam worth ₹23.88 crore in Andhra Pradesh, eight arrested
In a major operation, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has dismantled a large-scale operation involved in the illegal manufacture and distribution of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance, in Atchuthapuram, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. The operation resulted in the seizure of 119.4 kg of Alprazolam, worth approximately ₹23.88 crore in the illicit market. Along with this, DRI also confiscated 87.8 kg of in-process material and over 3,600 litres of liquid raw material, further highlighting the scale of the illicit drug trade. Eight people, including the mastermind and key players in the operation, have been arrested in connection with the bust.
Aug 18, 2025
Rajasthan cracks down on RGHS fraud with FIRs, suspensions, and new anti-fraud measures
Rajasthan is taking strong action against fraud under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) with a series of FIRs, suspensions, and new anti-fraud initiatives. The state has filed FIRs against multiple hospitals and pharmacies for irregularities, including fake prescriptions, and launched a comprehensive review of stakeholders involved in the scheme. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar are overseeing the crackdown, ensuring transparency and improved regulatory compliance.
Aug 17, 2025
Tamil Nadu to Launch 1,000 ‘CM’s Pharmacy Stores’ for Affordable Generic Medicines
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced the upcoming launch of ‘Mudalvar Marunthagam’ (Chief Minister’s Pharmacy)
Aug 15, 2024
Delhi court denies bail to man accused of supplying fake Ozempic medicines
A Delhi court has rejected the anticipatory bail plea of Vicky Ramancha, accused of supplying counterfeit Ozempic medicines to foreign companies, citing risks to public health and threats to India’s pharmaceutical reputation. The court observed that such offences have serious international ramifications and undermine public confidence in the justice system.
Aug 13, 2025
Pfizer launches single-shot Pneumococcal Conjugate vaccine for adults in India
Pfizer has introduced its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) in India, offering single-dose protection against 20 serotypes responsible for most invasive and non-invasive pneumococcal diseases. The vaccine aims to provide timely, proactive protection for all adults, including those with chronic health conditions.
Aug 12, 2025
Shresth index launched to strengthen drug safety and regulatory standards across India
The Union health ministry has launched the State Health Regulatory Excellence Index (Shresth) to benchmark and improve the performance of state drug regulatory authorities through a transparent, data-driven framework. The initiative aims to ensure that drug safety and quality standards are consistently met nationwide.
Aug 12, 2025
Karnataka merges AYUSH drug authority with state FDA to streamline regulation
The Karnataka government has issued an official order to merge the AYUSH Drug Licensing Authority, Drug Enforcement Division, and Drug Testing Laboratories with the State Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Aug 1, 2025
71 Generic Brands of Empagliflozin Flood Market Within a Month of Patent Expiry
Following the expiry of Boehringer Ingelheim's patent on diabetes drug Empagliflozin (Jardiance) on March 11, India’s pharmaceutical market has seen an unprecedented rush, with 71 new generic brands introduced by 17 companies in under a month.
Apr 9, 2025
DCGI Flags Quality Of Medicines As Ongoing Concern In India
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has raised concerns over the quality of medicines in the country, stating that improving drug standards remains a core focus for patient welfare
Apr 9, 2025
FDA Raids Ghatkopar Drug Distributor Operating Without Licence, Seizes ₹61.95 Lakh Worth Stock
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Apr 9, 2025
India’s Anti-Obesity Drug Market Quadruples in Five Years, Driven by Semaglutide Surge
India’s anti-obesity drug market has witnessed a fourfold growth over the last five years, surging from ₹133 crore in March 2021 to ₹576 crore by March 2025.
Apr 9, 2025
Pregnant Women Suffer Memory Loss After Receiving Banned Injection From Blacklisted Gujarat Pharma Firm
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Apr 9, 2025
Trump's Proposed Pharma Tariffs Could Impact Major Indian Drugmakers
As US President Donald Trump again hinted at his intention to impose significant tariffs on pharma drugs, apprehensions have grown for Indian pharma exporters.
Apr 9, 2025
Trump Signals Tariff On Pharma Imports, Indian Drugmakers May Face Hit
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that he plans to add a "major" tariff on imported medicines, which could bring severe consequences for Indian pharma manufacturers.
Apr 9, 2025
Menstrual Blood-Based Cervical Cancer Test Receives Patent in India
IOTA Diagnostic, a MedTech startup, has received an Indian patent for its revolutionary M-Strip device—a self-sampling kit for cervical cancer screening using menstrual blood as a biospecimen.
Apr 8, 2025
Rajasthan Cancels 275 Medical Store Licenses Over Multi-Crore RGHS Scam
A major scam under the Rajasthan Government Health Scheme (RGHS) has been uncovered, and there is widespread collusion between doctors and medical store owners.
Apr 8, 2025
Generic Medicines Remain Underused Despite Affordability And Efficacy
Despite being significantly cheaper and equally effective, generic medicines continue to be underutilized by consumers in Lucknow.
Apr 7, 2025
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