DCA cracks down on overpriced and misleading medicines

HYDERABAD: In a series of raids in the last 24 hours, the Drugs Control Administration of Telangana seized overpriced and misleadingly advertised medicines in Asifabad and Narayanpet.

The officials raided a medical shop in Asifabad, confiscating 'Zytaz-PT Injection' (Piperacillin & Tazobactam Injection IP), which was being sold at an inflated price. The injection, manufactured by M/s Prosperity 6 Pharmaceutics and marketed by M/s German Remedies Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., was priced at Rs. 546.15 per vial, significantly higher than the ceiling price of Rs. 399.39 set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). Including GST, the maximum retail price should not exceed Rs. 447.31 per vial, making the overcharge of Rs. 98.84 per vial a clear violation of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.

The raid was conducted by Assistant Director M. Srinivasulu and Drugs Inspector T. Chandana. Legal proceedings are underway against the offenders.

In a concurrent operation, officials seized 'Ayu RC Syrup' at a medical shop in Narayanpet. The Ayurvedic syrup, manufactured by Indian Herbo Pharma, Ludhiana, falsely claimed to treat 'Kidney Stones', violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. This act prohibits advertising drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders.

Drugs Inspectors A.N. Kranthi Kumar, Mohd. Rafhi and P. Sravan Kumar conducted the raid and confiscated the misleading product. Legal action is being pursued against those responsible, as misleading advertisements are punishable with imprisonment, a fine, or both.

DCA Director General VB Kamalasen Reddy urged the public to report illegal activities concerning medicines to the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, via the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, which is operational from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.