Telangana: 138 shops face action for selling habit-forming drugs

Of the 138 suspension orders, 98 medical shops have been directed to remain closed until further orders, while 40 establishments have been suspended for a specified period.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the licences of 138 medical shops across the state for violating regulations governing the sale of habit-forming drugs. Two other establishments were issued warnings following a special enforcement drive.

According to officials, the action followed raids conducted on October 15 by the Drugs Wing of TG SAFE in coordination with Enforcement Wing police personnel in vulnerable areas across the state.

Of the 138 suspension orders, 98 medical shops have been directed to remain closed until further orders, while 40 establishments have been suspended for a specified period. Two other shops were issued warnings, taking the total number of actions to 140.

The enforcement drive was aimed at curbing the illegal sale and diversion of habit-forming drugs, including psychotropic substances and Schedule H and H1 medicines.

TG SAFE has cautioned chemists and druggists against selling such medicines without valid prescriptions issued by Registered Medical Practitioners or in the absence of Registered Pharmacists. Medical shops are also required to maintain proper records of purchases, sales and stocks as prescribed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules framed under it.

Violations will invite stringent action, including suspension or cancellation of licences and prosecution, the authority warned.