Telangana: The TG SAFE Drugs Wing issued show-cause notices to 125 medical shops after detecting discrepancies during a special enforcement drive. The drive on October 24 targeted the illegal sale and diversion of habit-forming drugs. It covered the CURE region and other districts of Telangana.
According to a TG SAFE press note, joint teams carried out raids in the CURE region. These included Drugs Wing officials, Enforcement Wing police personnel and Excise Enforcement personnel. The teams also used decoy operations and test purchases to check prescription sales.
The findings across the 125 shops included the sale of habit-forming drugs without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner. They also included a failure to maintain prescription drug and Schedule H1 registers.
Drugs Wing warns of licence suspension
In addition, the inspections found prescription drugs dispensed in the absence of a Registered Pharmacist. Other violations included sales without bills and missing or irregular sales and purchase records. Meanwhile, the department has initiated action, and all 125 violating shops have received show-cause notices.
According to the press note, appropriate action will follow under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its rules. This includes the suspension or cancellation of drug licences. The press note described the effort as a step to prevent diversion of prescription medicines and protect public health.
In a public advisory, TG SAFE asked people to use prescription medicines only on a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner. It also asked medical shops to dispense only against valid prescriptions and maintain the required prescription records.
Further, members of the public can report illegal sale or diversion on 1800-599-6969. The helpline works from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.