Pharmacies in Kashmir under scrutiny: Govt regulations flouted, HFDs sold unchecked

Srinagar, Mar 2: Numerous pharmacies across Kashmir have been found flouting crucial government regulations, raising serious concerns over the unregulated sale of Habit-Forming Drugs (HFD).

Despite clear directives issued by the Drug Controller of Kashmir mandating the installation of Full HD CCTV cameras with 1080p resolution and the maintenance of computerised records for purchase and sale, many chemists are blatantly neglecting to comply with these guidelines.

During recent inspections conducted simultaneously in Srinagar and Jammu, several medical establishments were found guilty of committing breaches and disobedience of standing instructions.

As a precautionary measure, these pharmacies were sealed on the spot.

Last year, the Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department took decisive action against chemist shops involved in the illicit sale of HFD, suspending licenses of over 120 license holders across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Health Department has decided to intensify its crackdown on pharmacies found to be flouting norms issued from time to time through different orders and notifications.

Earlier, the department initiated several steps to ensure that HFD are sold by retail strictly as per legal provisions mandated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and rules there under.

“The unchecked sale of HFD poses a grave threat to public health and safety, exacerbating the already dire situation of drug abuse in our region,” said an official from the Drug Controller’s office.

They said that the rampant flouting of regulations by pharmacies was a matter of grave concern.

“We cannot allow such blatant violations to continue unchecked. The health and well-being of our citizens are at stake,” they said.

State Drugs Controller, Lotika Khajuria told Greater Kashmir that for the past six months, significant efforts have been made in enhancing surveillance measures at chemists and other shops selling medicines.

“CCTV camera installation is nearing completion at a rate of more than 90 to 95 percent, encompassing wholesale and retail points, including hospitals and district hospitals. The surveillance isn't solely focused on psychotropic drugs but extends to other prescription medications, such as antimicrobial drugs, ensuring they are dispensed appropriately and not misused,” she said.

Khajuria said that the importance of meticulous billing to enable tracking of pharmaceuticals from procurement to distribution channels.

“In cases of non-compliance with licensing regulations or inadequate record maintenance, actions such as license suspension are taken, alongside motivational and awareness programs to encourage compliance and ensure the well-being of both consumers and regulatory standards,” she said.

Regarding recent incidents such as the seizure of Topendedol at the airport, Khajuria said that filing an FIR against the concerned party, emphasising collaborative efforts with experts and stringent legal actions against defaulters.

“Despite facing numerous legal proceedings, diligent efforts are made to maintain the integrity of the Inspectorate Department and build public trust,” she said.