Medkart Pharmacy is addressing concerns regarding the quality of medications as alerts related to substandard products have sharply risen. In 2025, data from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) revealed that 1,879 drug samples were classified as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ), significantly up from 877 in 2024. This increase has prompted regulatory authorities to enhance their sampling and reporting procedures.
The categorisation of NSQ samples encompasses a variety of widely-used medicines, including antibiotics, cardiovascular drugs, anti-diabetic medications, and injectables. Although officials have reiterated that each finding pertains to specific tested batches rather than the entire drug market, public concern has escalated regarding the vetting processes for medicines before they reach consumers.
This heightened scrutiny is validated by a 2025 study published in a peer-reviewed clinical pharmacology journal. The research highlighted that patients often express uncertainty about the safety and effectiveness of generic medications, especially in critical areas such as oncology and cardiovascular care. Issues cited include inconsistent communication and limited awareness of individual manufacturers, creating barriers to trust.
Medkart Assured Programme Aims for Quality Trust
In response to these concerns, Medkart Pharmacy is implementing the Medkart Assured quality programme. This initiative aims to reassure patients about the efficacy of generic medicines by providing transparent proof of quality rather than relying solely on brand recognition. Parasharan Chari, Co-founder of Medkart Pharmacy, stated that while trust is important, it should be supplemented with tangible evidence, including independent audits and thorough testing.
The Medkart Assured programme aligns with the Schedule M provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which establish standards for Good Manufacturing Practices in pharmaceutical production. Medkart conducts independent audits of its manufacturing partners and ensures that all products are subjected to dual testing at laboratories accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL). Only those products that pass these stringent tests receive the Medkart Assured designation.
Additionally, Medkart’s trained pharmacists are not just responsible for dispensing medications; they are also equipped to explain variations in quality and address any patient concerns. The company has integrated an in-app comparison tool, allowing patients to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare options.
Future Plans for Transparency Reporting
Looking ahead, Medkart plans to release a Medkart Assured Quality & Transparency Report. This report will detail the number of batches tested, the percentage rejected, the relevant therapy areas, and the testing protocols implemented. Such a comprehensive breakdown from a pharmacy retailer is uncommon in India and signifies Medkart’s commitment to openness and accountability.
Medkart emphasizes that this initiative is not intended to critique any specific manufacturer or competitor but rather to establish a new standard within the industry. The company’s message to patients is clear: affordability should not compromise safety, and the best way to ensure this is through transparency regarding their processes.
With the rising concerns regarding medicine quality, Medkart advocates for an approach that encourages scrutiny and evidence over apprehension of generic medications. The pharmacy invites stakeholders to join in setting higher standards for medicine safety.
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