The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has directed all State and Union Territory drug controllers to submit a comprehensive list of cough syrup manufacturers operating within their jurisdictions. The move comes as part of a nationwide joint audit initiative aimed at strengthening quality assurance and preventing the distribution of substandard or contaminated cough syrups in the Indian market.

This directive follows growing global scrutiny of pharmaceutical exports, particularly after incidents where contaminated syrups were linked to adverse health outcomes in a few countries. In response, CDSCO, in coordination with state authorities, has initiated a joint inspection drive to evaluate manufacturing practices, raw material sourcing, and quality testing protocols across all facilities producing cough formulations.

A senior CDSCO official stated, “Ensuring the highest standards of drug safety and efficacy is our top priority. The joint audit will help us identify any gaps in compliance and take corrective actions to safeguard public health, both domestically and globally.”

The audit will focus on verifying Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) adherence, testing methodologies, and the robustness of quality control systems in each facility. The move also aligns with India’s broader efforts to enhance its reputation as a global pharmaceutical hub while ensuring the safety of medicines manufactured within the country.

Industry experts have welcomed the step, noting that it reflects a proactive approach by regulatory authorities to restore confidence in Indian-made pharmaceuticals. The findings from these audits are expected to guide further reforms and strengthen regulatory oversight across the sector.