Telangana Drug Control Administration raids unlicensed pharmacies, seizes illegal drugs in Wanaparthy, Charminar, Uppal

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Drug Control Administration (DCA) conducted raids on Tuesday at two separate locations, uncovering pharmacies operating without drug licenses.

The DCA first raided Sri Sai Super Speciality Dental Hospital in Wanaparthy, which was found operating a pharmacy without a proper drug license. Authorities seized a significant quantity of drugs worth Rs. 80,000 intended for sale.

In another incident, the DCA raided a medical shop located at Noor Khan Bazar, Charminar, Hyderabad, also operating illegally without a drug license. During the raid, authorities seized 36 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics and habit-forming drugs such as Alprazolam Tablets and Codeine Syrups.

In a separate raid, the Drugs Control Administration of Telangana seized overpriced anti-diabetic drug 'Tenebetic-20 tablets' (Teneligliptin tablets IP 20 mg) at Uppal. The marked retail price was significantly higher than the Ceiling Price fixed by the Central Government for the product.

It is mandatory for Essential Medicines to adhere to the Ceiling Prices set by the Central Government. Violations of pricing regulations under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, will result in stringent legal actions against violators.

Samples of the seized drugs have been lifted for analysis, and further investigations will be conducted. Appropriate legal actions will be taken against offenders in accordance with the law.

The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, issues drug licenses for stocking and selling medicines in compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Operating without a valid drug license is punishable under this act, with imprisonment for up to five years.

The public is strongly advised against purchasing medicines from unlicensed medical shops, as they pose significant health risks due to lack of regulation. It is recommended to only purchase medicines from licensed medical shops, which prominently display their drug licenses issued by the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana.

Selling medicines without a license is a punishable offence, and medicines obtained from unlicensed premises are likely to be counterfeit products.

How to verify

To verify the authenticity of a medical shop or pharmacy license issued by the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, the public can use the 'Third Party Verification' section on the Online Drugs Licensing System (ODLS) website. By entering the name of the pharmacy or medical shop, individuals can verify whether they are authorised to sell medicines or not.