Guwahati, May 24, 2025, Virthli (ONP): In a significant boost to healthcare infrastructure and pharmaceutical regulation in the Northeast, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced the opening of the State Drugs Testing Lab (SDTL) in Guwahati - the first such facility in the region.
Sharing the news on social media, CM Sarma wrote:
"Assam and North East now has its own Drugs Testing Lab with the opening of the State Drugs Testing Lab in Guwahati. This will enable better public health safety and monitoring of medicines floating in the market, support the pharma industry and encourage better R&D."
With a project cost of ₹22 crore, the lab is equipped to test up to 3,000 drug samples annually. The facility aims to enhance public health safety, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide technical support to pharmaceutical companies in the region. It will also aid law enforcement, support research and development, ensure quality control, and facilitate training for professionals in the field.
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The SDTL is a step toward Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting self-reliance in drug testing capabilities and reducing dependence on distant testing labs, which has long been a challenge for the region.
This marks a milestone in the state’s efforts to improve healthcare oversight and establish Assam as a pharmaceutical hub in Northeast India.
