Drugs Control raids corporate hospital pharmacies, 115 units face action in Telangana

The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, issued show cause notices to 115 pharmacies located in or attached to corporate hospitals across the state after inspections on Saturday, revealed multiple violations.

The inspections were part of a special drive to check irregular practices in hospital-linked pharmacies. Officials said several units were found dispensing medicines without the presence of a registered pharmacist.

Other violations included failure to maintain prescription and Schedule H1 registers, non-maintenance of sales records, absence of purchase bills, sale of medicines without prescriptions, stocking of physician’s samples, expired drugs kept with saleable stock, and improper storage of thermolabile medicines.

Shahnawaz Qasim, Director General, DCA, said notices had been served and action would follow under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules framed thereunder.

The DCA also appealed to the public to report illegal activities involving medicines, including narcotic and psychotropic substances, in residential, commercial, or industrial areas. Complaints can be made through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, which is operational between 10.30 IST and 17.00 IST on working days.