Violating Norms | Operation of 12 medical stores suspended in Jammu division

Jammu: A special drive was carried out in Jammu Province wherein surprise inspections of Drug Sale Establishments were carried out under the supervision of Concerned Empowered Authorities.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the drive was targeted to ensure that the drugs consisting of habit forming ingredients are strictly sold to the needy patients as per mandate of law and pharmacies operate strictly in consonance with the mandate of law and in the best interest of patient care.   

Statutory drug samples of nearly 200 formulations of various categories were lifted randomly for determination of strength and purity.

These samples were referred to drug testing laboratories locate within J&K for framing of legal opinion to ascertain their quality parameters and to ensure that quality medicines are being sold to the end users.

Operations of 12 retail sale establishments (4 in Jammu, 3 in Samba district, Two in Poonch district, 1 each in Kathua and Ramban, were disallowed u/s 22 (d) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 on spot. 

The reasons for suspension ranged from non-maintenance of sales records, impersonation, and improper storage conditions.

Moreover, stocks of drugs worth Rs 3,86,100 that were found to be contravening the provisions of the D&C Act  have also been confiscated from the supply chain  by the Regulatory Officers  of the organisation under Section 23 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

During the said drive, the stocks of drugs worth Rs 27,465 was seized on Form – 16 from an unlicensed shop being run at Lower Kud the custody and permission of which was obtained from the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Udhampur. Investigation in the matter has been initiated and Notice under section 18 (a) served upon the accused for further legal action in the matter.

Meanwhile, the licensing authority cancelled the license of a wholesale firm at Rajouri that was found indulging in unethical trade practices.