New Delhi, December 22, 2025
In a strong push to safeguard public health and crack down on the sale of fake and substandard medicines, the Drugs Control Department of the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi carried out a special enforcement drive in Mehrauli, South Delhi, on Sunday. The operation was conducted under the directions of Delhi Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh and focused on ensuring strict compliance with drug laws and regulatory standards.
Officials said the enforcement drive involved extensive inspections of retail and wholesale drug establishments operating in the area. During the operation, teams from the Drugs Control Department carried out inspections at 37 drug firms. Of these, 26 firms were found to be in violation of provisions of the Drugs Rules. Legal action has been initiated against the defaulting firms under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the associated rules, officials confirmed.
As part of the drive, enforcement teams also collected 265 samples of various medicines for testing and analysis. These samples will be examined to verify their quality, safety and compliance with prescribed regulatory standards. Officials said the large number of samples collected reflects the seriousness with which the department is approaching quality control and surveillance in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
According to the Drugs Control Department, the special raid was conducted to deter illegal practices in the drug trade and to prevent the circulation of counterfeit, spurious or substandard medicines in the market. The department said such medicines pose a serious risk to public health and undermine trust in the healthcare system.
Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh reiterated the Delhi Government’s zero-tolerance policy against fake and substandard medicines, warning that strict action would be taken against violators. “There is zero tolerance for fake or substandard medicines in Delhi. As long as I am the Health Minister, no fake medicines will be allowed to be sold in the capital,” he said.
The Minister said the Drugs Control Department has been directed to carry out strict and continuous enforcement to protect public health. He added that the government’s priority is to ensure that citizens have access only to safe, effective and quality medicines, and that any attempt to compromise public safety will be dealt with firmly under the law.
Officials said the action in Mehrauli is part of a broader strategy by the Delhi Government to strengthen regulatory oversight in the pharmaceutical sector. The department has been intensifying inspections and surveillance across different parts of the city to identify violations and take timely action against erring firms.
According to officials, inspections during the drive covered a range of compliance aspects, including licensing conditions, storage requirements, maintenance of records, and adherence to prescribed standards for the sale and distribution of medicines. Violations detected during the inspections will be pursued through legal proceedings as per applicable laws.
The Drugs Control Department said that the collection of medicine samples during such drives plays a critical role in identifying substandard or spurious products before they reach consumers. Once laboratory testing is completed, further action will be taken against firms if any samples are found to be not of standard quality.
The Delhi Government has reaffirmed that special enforcement drives and surprise inspections will continue across the national capital in the coming days. Officials said these actions are aimed at ensuring strict compliance with drug laws, strengthening regulatory discipline and reinforcing public confidence in the healthcare delivery system.
The government has also appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspected cases of fake or substandard medicines to the authorities. Officials said public cooperation is essential in tackling illegal practices in the pharmaceutical market and ensuring patient safety.
With the latest action in Mehrauli, the Delhi Government has once again signalled its intent to take a firm stand against violations in the drug supply chain. Authorities said sustained enforcement, coupled with regular monitoring and testing, will remain central to the government’s efforts to protect public health and uphold the integrity of the healthcare system in the capital.
