SAS Nagar, November 14, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Health and Family Welfare, and Medical Education and Research Minister, Dr. Balbir Singh, has appealed to all drug manufacturing units in the state to uphold the highest standards of quality and safety, especially in light of the recent health incident reported in Madhya Pradesh due to the intake of cough syrup.
Chairing a meeting with representatives of Punjab’s Drug Manufacturing Units at the Dr. B. R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, the Minister stressed the need for stringent testing of raw materials before production, as well as thorough post-production testing of cough syrups and other pharmaceutical formulations. He said these measures are essential “in the interest of innocent children and humanity at large.”
Dr. Balbir Singh stated that while no such incident has been reported from Punjab, increased vigilance is crucial under the present circumstances. He added that the Bhagwant Singh Mann–led Government of Punjab is recognised for maintaining high healthcare standards across the state.
Addressing the concerns raised by drug manufacturers regarding issues with the Central Drug Authority and the Central Government, the Minister assured them that the Punjab Government stands with the industry. “We will take up your concerns at an appropriate platform,” he said.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to public safety, Dr. Balbir Singh underlined that there is “zero tolerance for spurious and sub-standard medicines” in the state. He urged all manufacturers to strictly adhere to prescribed quality norms and specifications.
The Minister also informed that an Advisory Council has already been constituted to look into issues faced by drug manufacturers. He encouraged units to submit their concerns to the Council so they can be addressed in its upcoming meetings.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner, Food and Drug Administration, Dilraj Singh; Joint Commissioner, Sandeep Garg; President, Drug Manufacturing Units, Jagdeep Singh; along with representatives from various pharmaceutical units.
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