Himachal Pradesh’s pharmaceutical industry has received a major boost with the opening of its first-ever drug testing laboratory in Baddi. Built at a cost of ₹32 crore, the facility is now operational, offering much-needed support to local drug manufacturers who previously had to rely on private labs or facilities in other states for the testing of medicines and cosmetics.

Inaugurated by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu in March of the previous year, this state-of-the-art laboratory is capable of testing between 8,000 to 10,000 drug samples annually. This move is expected to streamline the quality control process, ensuring more rigorous regulatory compliance within the state.

The funding for the lab came from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which allocated ₹30 crore under the 12th Five-Year Plan. The remaining expenses were covered by the state government. While there were some delays, the laboratory’s operationalization marks a significant step toward self-reliance in drug testing for Himachal’s pharmaceutical sector.

To ensure the lab’s smooth operation, the state government outsourced its management to ITC Labs in Panchkula, with an annual payment of ₹6 crore. The facility employs a team of 30 to 40 technicians and 10 administrative officers, while two government analysts oversee its operations.

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State Drug Controller Manish Kapoor emphasized the lab’s importance in reducing costs for pharmaceutical companies and improving the quality assurance process. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to set up another Composite Testing Lab in Jhadmajri, Baddi, to further support the region’s growing pharmaceutical sector.

With Baddi already being a significant hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, the establishment of this testing lab is expected to attract more investments, improve drug quality standards, and enhance the state’s competitive edge in the pharmaceutical industry.