IPC Holds 2nd GC‑Based EG & DEG Training for State Drug Labs — Enhancing Medicine Safety

Overview The IPC organised its second hands‑on training on the determination of EG and DEG in oral liquid preparations using GC . The two‑day programme ran from 22 June to 23 June 2026 at the IPC campus in Ghaziabad. Key Developments Inaugurated by Dr V. Kalaiselvan, Secretary‑cum‑Scientific Director, IPC , with Shri Rajeev Bhargava, Deputy Drugs Controller, Delhi as Guest of Honour. Participants from six states – Haryana, Goa, Odisha, West Bengal, Assam and Meghalaya – received practical training on sample preparation, instrument calibration, chromatogram interpretation and data analysis. The training aligns with IP Amendment List 09 , which now requires EG and DEG testing in every oral liquid drug. Hands‑on sessions covered the scientific basis of glycol contamination, regulatory requirements, and routine application of GC for compliance. Important Facts EG and DEG are not permitted in any pharmaceutical formulation. They may enter products through adulterated excipients such as glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol or polyethylene glycol. Even trace levels can cause acute kidney injury, central nervous system depression and death. The new amendment makes it compulsory for all State Drug Testing Laboratories to incorporate these tests into their routine workflow. UPSC Relevance The episode illustrates how regulatory bodies translate policy into capacity‑building actions. It highlights the role of the IPC in safeguarding public health, a frequent topic in GS 3 (Health, Science & Technology). Understanding the toxicology of EG and DEG, and the analytical method of GC , helps answer questions on drug safety, quality control and regulatory compliance. Way Forward Continued training of analysts across states will ensure uniform implementation of the amendment. The IPC plans to expand similar programmes to cover other high‑risk contaminants. Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, standardising protocols and promoting inter‑state knowledge sharing are essential steps to protect consumers and uphold the integrity of India’s pharmaceutical supply chain.