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ESIC institutions may now use Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and Government Drug Testing Laboratories for drug testing in addition to existing empanelled laboratories. This measure strengthens the quality assurance mechanism for drugs procured by ESIC hospitals, medical colleges, and other institutions. Institutions must confirm the testing facilities, scope, and sample acceptance of the chosen laboratory before submission. They must follow the specific guidelines and procedures of each laboratory for sample submission. Institutions must maintain records of all referred samples and test reports. They must report any Not of Standard Quality results or quality defects to ESIC Headquarters with batch details and initiate action under applicable rules.
What you must do
Who is affected
If you do not comply
Ask about this circular
U-25/12/DOInfo/2025/Med-V 1/4570645/2026
[Image omitted. See the official document.]
क.रा.बी.नि. E.S.I.C.
कर्मचारी राज्य बीमा निगम
(श्रम एवं रोजगार मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार)
EMPLOYEES' STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION
(Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. of India)
[Image omitted. See the official document.]
सत्यमेव जयते
मुख्यालय/HEADQUARTERS
पंचदीप भवन, सीआईजी मार्ग, नई दिल्ली-110002
Panchdeep Bhawan, CIG Marg, New Delhi- 02
Phone No. 011-23604700
Website: www.esic.gov.in
Email: dir-gen@esic.gov.in
F.No.: U-25/12/DOInfo/2025/Med-V [E-1313221] / 332
Date: 30-10-2026
To,
CIRCULAR
Subject: Testing of Drugs/Medicines through Government Drug Testing Laboratories in addition to Empanelled Laboratories – reg.
To strengthen the quality assurance mechanism and ensure the quality and safety of drugs/medicines procured and utilized in ESIC Hospitals, Medical Colleges and other Institutions, it has been decided that drug testing may also be undertaken through appropriate Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)/Government Drug Testing Laboratories, in addition to laboratories empanelled by ESIC, wherever considered necessary and subject to the applicable rules, procurement conditions and prescribed procedures.
Accordingly, the following Government Drug Testing Laboratories may be approached for testing of drugs/medicines, subject to confirmation of their testing facilities, scope and acceptance of samples:
| S. No. | Name of Laboratory | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) | Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh |
| 2. | Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| 3. | Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) | Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| 4. | Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| 5. | Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL) | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
| 6. | Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory (RDTL) | Chandigarh |
| 7. | Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory (RDTL) | Guwahati, Assam |
| 8. | Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory (RDTL) | Kolkata, West Bengal |
| 9. | Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory (RDTL) | Mumbai, Maharashtra |
U-25/12/DOInfo/2025/Med-V 1/4570645/2026
The above-listed testing laboratories shall be contacted, and sample submission shall be carried out as per the respective laboratory’s prescribed guidelines and procedures.
The concerned institution shall maintain proper records of samples referred for testing and the test reports received. In the event of an NSQ result or any other established quality defect, appropriate action shall be initiated in accordance with applicable statutory provisions, contractual conditions and instructions issued by ESIC Headquarters. The matter shall be reported to ESIC Headquarters, along with the relevant test report and batch particulars, wherever required.
The availability of Government Drug Testing Laboratories under this arrangement shall be in addition to the existing and future Empanelled laboratories. The ongoing process of empanelment of laboratories by ESIC shall continue independently in accordance with the prescribed procedure.
This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority.
Yours faithfully,
Digitally signed by
Sanjiv Kochhar
Date: 01-11-2026
15:25:01
Deputy Medical Commissioner (RC/PC)
ESIC Headquarters, New Delhi
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