DCA crackdown on wholesalers for illegal procurement of Insulin in Hyderabad
Hyderabad: In a crackdown on illegal drugs procurement, Drugs Control Administration (DCA) officials suspended the licenses of six wholesalers, who were dealing with medicines, based out of Hyderabad for procuring the ‘Insulin’ injections illegally. This recent action comes in the backdrop of the raids conducted by DCA in march at six medical distributors in Hyderabad.
DCA listed out the six wholesale dealers who allegedly indulged in tax evasion – M/s. Drug Hub of Padmarao nagar, Secunderabad,M/s Sree Thirumala Pharma of Ramanthapur, Uppal,M/s. Shree Paras Medical Agencies of Sultan Bazar Hyderabad,M/s. Sri Ganesh Pharma Distributors of Sai Nagar Colony, Uppal, M/s. Sree Raja Rajeshwara Distributors of Jai Jawan Colony, Kapra and M/s Sri Balaji Agencies of Quthbiguda, Kachiguda
According to the DCA officials, “During raids conducted from March 15th to March 20th, the Drugs Control Administration detected the sale of ‘Insulin’ injections (pre-filled pens) in the market with unusually high discounts of more than 40%. These raids took place at six medical distributors in Hyderabad”.
Further DCA officials added that upon verifying the sales bills of the wholesalers, it was revealed that they were offering the aforementioned insulin injections, sourced from New Delhi without any accompanying bills, at substantial discounts of more than 40%.
Seized stocks worth of Rs. 51.92 lakhs
During these special raids, DCA officials seized stocks worth Rs. 51.92 lakhs, which were illegally procured from Delhi and are suspected to have been illegally diverted from the supply chain. Procuring medicines illegally without purchase bills is a violation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Illegal procurement of medicines without purchase bills is deemed fraudulent primarily because it involves- Health and Safety Risks such as Illegal procurement of medicines without proper documentation raises significant health and safety concerns. And also led to Tax Evasion failing to maintain purchase bills may also lead to tax evasion as it prevents accurate reporting of expenses and revenue related to the procurement and sale of medicines, said DCA.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
