SRINAGAR, MAY 07: Drugs & Food Control Organization (D&FCO), J&K has intensified inspections of pharmacies across Jammu and Kashmir as part of the first phase of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.
The drive aims to curb the misuse and illegal sale of pharmaceutical preparations containing habit-forming ingredients. During the ongoing enforcement campaign, surprise inspections of pharmacies are being conducted throughout the Union Territory. Special focus is being laid on the scrutiny of sales and purchase records ofintoxicant drugs viz. habit-forming drugs and also other regulated pharmaceutical preparations.
During the inspection drive, it was observed that the majority of the firms were maintaining the requisite records in accordance with the prescribed norms. However, discrepancies relating to the maintenance of sales records were detected in nearly 120 firms.
Taking strict action against the erring establishments, Drug Sale Licenses of Eight Firms (M/s Irfan Medicate, S.K.Pora, Magam; M/S Shabir Medicare, Vethpara, Soitang Lasjan Srinagar; M/s Autif Medical Store, Cheeni Chowk Annatnag; Bismillah Medicate Gundipora Beerwah, Budgam; M/s Bhat Chemists & Druggists, Panzgam Kokernag; M/s Banday Medicate Gundipora Beerwah Budgam; M/s Manzoor Medicate khanda BK Pora Budgam; and Itoo Medical Store, KP Road Anantnag) have been cancelled for indulging in unethical trade practices particularly non- maintenance of sale purchase records of NRx drugs Licenses.
Besides, operations of 120 drug sale establishments were disallowed on the spot under Section 22(d) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Subsequently, the licenses of the such firms were suspended by the respective Licensing Authorities as per the provisions of the Act. The Department reiterated its commitment towards ensuring strict regulatory compliance and preventing the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs. It also warned that stringent action shall continue against any pharmacy or establishment found violating the provisions of the law. Rajesh Kumar, State Drugs Controller, J&K has reiterated that no person or firm shall indulge in procurement of lesser-known brands of drugs formulations comprising of habit forming ingredients particularly Pregablin , Tapentadol, Tramadol etc directly from the suppliers or manufacturers located outside Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in a clandestine manner or through online platforms or through courier service providers or speed post and in case any violation is reported, the defaulters shall be dealt strictly in accordance with zero-tolerance policy adopted by Union Territory of J&K against persons involved in promoting drug abuse which warrants the cancellation of licenses followed by legal recourse.
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