The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana conducted a raid on an illegal clinic in Thimmapur Village in Siddipet district on August 25.
Acting on credible information, DCA officials targeted the clinic of an unqualified practitioner, H. Ramesh, who was operating a clinical practice without the necessary qualifications or a valid drug license.
The raid was a part of the administration's ongoing efforts to clamp down on quackery and the illegal sale of medicines.
During the operation, DCA officials discovered and seized 32 different varieties of medicines. The confiscated stock, valued at approximately Rs. 50,000, included a wide range of critical drugs such as antibiotics, steroids, analgesics, and IV fluids.
Sources from the department said the presence of these potent medications at an unlicensed premises raised significant alarms for public health officials, highlighting the dangers posed by unregulated medical practices and unauthorized drug sales.
The raid was carried out by S. Vinay Sushmi, drug inspector at Siddipet, and Raja Reddy, drug inspector at Kamareddy, under the direct supervision of Dr J Raju, Assistant Director, Siddipet.
This team worked to meticulously document the illegal activities and collect evidence. The officials also lifted samples of the seized drugs for further analysis, which is a standard procedure to determine their quality and composition, said Ramdan, JDC.
The DCA emphasized the grave public health risks associated with the indiscriminate sale of certain drugs found at the clinic. The unauthorized distribution of antibiotics, in particular, contributes to the rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a global health crisis that makes infections harder to treat. Similarly, the misuse of steroids, which were also found at the site, can lead to severe health issues, including immune system suppression, hormonal imbalances, and cardiovascular problems.
Following the raid, a strong warning was issued to all wholesalers and dealers. The DCA made it clear that supplying medicines to quacks or other unqualified persons, or unlicensed shops is a serious offense under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Such actions will result in strict penal action against those involved in these illegal supply chains.
"All dealers are now directed to ensure that medicines are only supplied to entities holding a valid drug license and to maintain records of the same", said an advisory issued by the department.
The Drugs Control Administration reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the law. Stocking drugs for sale without a valid license is a punishable offense under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with penalties including imprisonment for up to five years. The DCA's action in Siddipet serves as a clear message that illegal medical practices and unauthorized drug sales will not be tolerated, and all offenders will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. |