In continuation to its efforts to curb the unlawful distribution and misuse of habit-forming drugs, Drugs & Food Control Organisation (D&FCO) J&K has taken stringent action against pharmaceutical establishments found violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Surprise inspections of the Pharma establishments were conducted & during the inspections, two pharma establishments were found indulging in clandestine purchase & sale of habit-forming pharmaceutical preparations, mainly comprising of Tapentadol & Pregabalin from neighbouring states without maintaining mandatory sale/purchase records.

Accordingly, Drug sale licences of M/s Aatir Enterprises, Ganjiawra,  Anantnag  & M/s Pharma Plus Medicare, Kheora, Rajouri have been cancelled  for indulging in unethical trade practices after issuing Show Cause Notices to them.

State Drugs Controller Lotika Khajuria has reiterated that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is committed to regulate the sale of scheduled drugs and strict compliance by all retail and wholesale drug license holders shall be ensured. Surprise inspection, digital tracking of medicine inventories and inter-agency coordination are being intensified. Strict penal action, including license cancellation and prosecution, will be ensured against those who endanger lives for profit.

The Public at large is requested to report any incidence of unethical practices involving sale or misuse of prescription drugs to the department’s helpline at [email protected].