With the reports of officials from Drug Control Administration (DCA) cracking a whip against the errant pharmacies especially in the Balapur area on the City outskirts, panic grips the southern city enclave where most of the medical shops were seen shutting the doors in hurry simply to avoid inspections.
It is said that the DCA authorities shut almost over a dozen medical shops in Jalpally and Pahadi Shareef area two days ago after the pharmacists reportedly found committing violations when selling habit farming medicines.
Last month, a team of officials consisting of Drug Inspectors from Balapur, Hayathnagar and Saroornagar led by Assistant Director Drug Control Administration Rangareddy district Anjum Abida, carried out surprise inspections in the Balapur area.
According to officials, violations like no pharmacists to address consumers, sale of medicines without prescription and business without sale bills were found during the inspections carried out primarily in areas like Pahadi Shareef, Shaheennagar and Jalpally under Rangareddy district.
Later, the DCA issued show cause notices to owners running the pharmacies waywardly on the expense of public health.
It is said that, not satisfied with the clarifications placed by the errant pharmacists, the authorities on February 3, came out with a deterrent action and cancelled licences of several shops in Balapur area under Jalpally municipality and later shut them down.
It is said that over half a dozen shops were closed today in areas such as Saif Colony, Shaheen Nagar, Quba Colony and Pahadi Shareef areas.
According to a DCA official, almost 19 shops have been found violating the rules during the inspections to whom notices were slapped under Drug and Cosmetic Act seeking clarification. However, not convinced with the replies, the DCA authorities have finally decided to put their licences under suspension for a week as a correctional masure.
“Over half a dozen pharmacies in Saif Colony, Shaheen Nagar, Quba Colony were closed on Friday for a week and the DCA will continue action in a phased manner,” said the official.
Earlier it was reported that over the counter sale (OTC) of medicines through pharmacies at City outskirts especially in Balapur area became rampant and led to an increase in substance abuse cases in the area.
