Telangana DCA Issues Show-Cause Notices to 166 Medical Shops in Statewide Crackdown
In a significant enforcement action, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has issued show-cause notices to 166 medical shops across the state following a special drive that uncovered numerous regulatory discrepancies. The operation targeted pharmacies suspected of illegally selling habit-forming and controlled substances, leading to recommendations for departmental action that could include suspension or cancellation of drug licences.
Widespread Violations Uncovered in Prescription Drug Sales
DCA officials reported discovering multiple serious violations during their inspections. "We found widespread instances of prescription drugs being sold without valid prescriptions from registered medical practitioners," stated an official involved in the enforcement drive. "Additionally, many shops failed to issue proper bills, did not maintain or produce sales records, and kept prescription and schedule H1 registers in improper condition."
The enforcement drive specifically focused on medical shops suspected of illegally dispensing habit-forming medicines, including codeine-based cough syrups, alprazolam tablets, and other controlled drugs that require strict regulation.
Additional Regulatory Failures Identified
Beyond prescription violations, officials documented several other concerning practices:
- Medicines being dispensed in the absence of a registered pharmacist
- Irregularities in maintaining purchase invoices and other mandatory documentation
- Failure to comply with record-keeping requirements under drug regulations
The DCA emphasized that the illegal sale, diversion, or distribution of prescription medicines for non-therapeutic or abusive purposes constitutes a serious offence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Authorities warned that stringent action, including licence cancellation and prosecution, would be initiated against violators.
Separate Raid on Unlicensed Medical Practice
In a related development, DCA officials conducted a raid on an unlicensed medical practitioner's clinic in Shayampet village of Hanumakonda district. During this operation, authorities seized illegally stocked medicines valued at approximately 35,000 rupees.
The seized items included:
- Various antibiotics
- Steroid medications
- Physician samples
- Tramadol injections
Officials expressed particular concern about the indiscriminate sale of antibiotics, warning that such practices could accelerate the already rising problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses significant public health risks.
Strict Compliance Advised for Medical Shop Operators
The DCA has advised all medical shop operators to exercise strict vigilance and maintain mandatory records while dispensing prescription drugs. Authorities stressed the importance of adhering to all regulatory requirements to prevent the misuse of controlled substances and ensure patient safety.
This enforcement action represents one of the broader efforts by Telangana's drug regulatory authorities to curb the illegal sale of prescription medications and strengthen compliance with pharmaceutical regulations across the state.
