Licences of 117 medical shops suspended across Telangana over violations in sale of habit-forming drugs

The action followed a special enforcement drive conducted on October 24, during which officials from the Drugs Wing, along with Enforcement Wing police personnel, carried out raids at medical shops in vulnerable areas across Telangana.

The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) issued suspension orders against 117 medical shops across the State for violations related to the sale of habit-forming drugs, including psychotropic substances and Schedule H and H1 medicines.

They have also issued warnings to four establishments as part of its ongoing enforcement drive against the illegal sale and diversion of such drugs.

The action followed a special enforcement drive conducted on October 24, during which officials from the Drugs Wing, along with Enforcement Wing police personnel, carried out raids at medical shops in vulnerable areas across Telangana.

Of the 117 medical shops facing suspension, 84 have been ordered to remain closed until further orders, while 33 have been suspended for specified periods. Another four establishments have been issued warnings, taking the total number of enforcement actions to 121.

The action was initiated against establishments found violating provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules framed thereunder, particularly those governing the sale of habit-forming medicines, TG SAFE said.

They further cautioned chemists and druggists against selling habit-forming drugs, including psychotropic substances and medicines classified under Schedule H and H1, without valid prescriptions issued by registered medical practitioners. It also reiterated that such medicines must not be sold in the absence of a registered pharmacist.