DCA raids Hyderabad MultiSpeciality Hospital in Malakpet for excessive medicine prices

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana conducted a raid on November 28, 2024, at Hyderabad MultiSpeciality Hospital, located in Judges Colony, Malakpet, Hyderabad. The raid revealed the sale of medicines at prices excessively higher than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) indicated on their labels.

The hospital’s pharmacy was found to be charging patients exorbitant amounts for various medications, leading to the seizure of sales bills and the registration of a case under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, in conjunction with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.

During the raid, several instances were discovered where medicines were sold at prices far exceeding their labeled MRPs. Zofer Injection (Ondansetron Injection), which is used to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting, was sold to patients at ₹150, although its labeled MRP was ₹13.35, charging an excess of ₹136.65. Similarly, Avil Injection (Pheniramine Maleate Injection), used to treat allergic conditions, was priced at ₹100 per injection, even though the MRP was just ₹6.16, resulting in an overcharge of ₹93.84.

In another case, Normal Saline Injection (100 ml), typically priced at ₹22.03, was sold for ₹180, marking an excessive price hike of ₹157.7. Additionally, Spafast-D Injection (Thiocolchicoside + Diclofenac Injection), used for pain relief, had a labeled price of ₹78, but was charged at ₹150, an overcharge of ₹72.

Furthermore, an IV Set, which had an MRP of ₹198, was sold at ₹220, an extra ₹22 above the listed price. This was followed by Normal Saline Injection (100 ml) being sold for ₹30, although its labeled price was ₹22.03, a difference of ₹7.97. Finally, Normal Saline Injection (500 ml), priced at ₹39.04, was sold for ₹60, resulting in an overcharge of ₹20.96.

DCA officials carried out the raid, including D. Saritha, Assistant Director, Secunderabad; G. Anil, Drugs Inspector, Malakpet; and B. Govind Singh, Drugs Inspector, Secunderabad.

Following the seizure of the sale bills, a case was registered, and further investigation is underway. Legal action will be taken against the offenders as per the provisions of the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, and the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which mandates that no medicine should be sold for a price exceeding the MRP.

Director General of DCA V.B. Kamalasan Reddy urged the public to report any suspicious drug-related manufacturing activities, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, in residential, commercial, or industrial areas. Complaints regarding illegal drug-related activities can be reported through the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana Toll-Free Number 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.