By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 28: The Meghalaya Medical Drugs and Services Limited (MMDSL) is facing mounting criticism over its quality control mechanisms, as repeated recalls of essential medicines supplied to government hospitals and health centres continue to raise serious concerns about patient safety and doctors’ credibility.
Sources in the Health Department allege that MMDSL has repeatedly supplied substandard drugs across the state, with recall notices often issued only after the medicines have already been dispensed and consumed by patients.
“What is most alarming is that in many cases, doctors are informed to stop using the drugs only after they have prescribed them and patients have started taking them. This is not a one-off incident — it has become a recurring problem,” sources told The Shillong Times.
Despite notable improvements in healthcare infrastructure and services in recent years, the persistent issue of poor-quality drug supply continues to undermine public trust.
“Efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery will be severely compromised if the drug supply chain continues to suffer from such recurring quality lapses,” the sources warned.
Doctors have repeatedly flagged concerns about the quality of medicines to MMDSL, but little corrective action appears to have been taken. Many are now worried about potential legal and professional repercussions if patients suffer adverse reactions.
“Doctors are deeply concerned not only about their own liability but, more importantly, about the risk to patients. If a serious incident occurs due to substandard medicines, who will be held accountable?” sources added.
The latest recall involves Iron and Folic Acid (IFA) pink tablets supplied under the National Health Mission’s Anaemia Mukt Bharat programme for children aged 5 to 9 years. In a directive dated May 19, 2026, MMDSL Managing Director Ramakrishna Chitturi ordered all storekeepers and pharmacists to immediately stop distribution of all batches of these tablets after quality issues were detected.
The affected batches are IFS250105, IFS250101, IFS250201, IFS250102, IFS250106, and IFS250103. Health facilities have been instructed to segregate the stocks, label them “Not for Use”, and quarantine them.
This is not an isolated case. MMDSL has issued several recalls in the recent past. In November 2025, all batches of IFA Blue Tablets were recalled after complaints that the tablets had turned into powder inside their packaging. Earlier this year, Sodium Valproate IP 300 mg (Batch No. RG24129T), used for epilepsy, was recalled due to quality concerns. In August 2025, Omeprazole Capsule IP 40 mg (Batch No. 2419020C001) was recalled following a manufacturer notice. In July 2024, Lorazepam 1 mg tablets (Batches LZT1104 and LZT1105) were withdrawn after technical issues were reported.
Health Department sources said the recurring recalls point to systemic failures in quality assurance and procurement processes. They emphasised the urgent need for stricter quality testing and monitoring before medicines are distributed to health institutions.
“The issue is no longer about isolated incidents. It reflects a larger failure in quality monitoring. Patients are unknowingly being exposed to risk, while doctors are left vulnerable for prescribing medicines supplied through official channels,” the sources said.
