DCA raids quack clinic in Karimnagar, seizes unlicensed medicines worth ₹27,879
HYDERABAD: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, raided a clinic run by an unqualified practitioner in Gattubuthkur village of Gangadhara mandal in Karimnagar district and seized medicines stocked illegally for sale, officials said on Sunday.
Acting on credible information, DCA officials conducted the raid on February 7, 2026, at Hima Bindu First Aid Centre, located opposite the government school in the village. Vemula Sai Krishna ran the clinic without the required medical qualifications or a valid drug licence, officials said.
During the inspection, officials found 73 varieties of medicines, including 19 physician’s samples. The stock included antibiotics, steroids, analgesics, antihypertensive and anti-ulcer drugs. Officials estimated the total value of the seized medicines at ₹27,879. The clinic did not possess any valid drug licence for stocking or selling medicines.
Officials also detected higher-generation antibiotics such as Cefotaxime, Cefpodoxime and Cefixime at the premises. They warned that unregulated sale of antibiotics by unqualified persons could pose serious public health risks. Such practices could also accelerate antimicrobial resistance, they said.
The inspection team found steroids at the clinic as well. Officials said misuse of steroids could suppress the immune system and cause hormonal imbalance. They added that steroids could also weaken muscles and bones and lead to cardiovascular and psychological complications.
S. Umarani, Drugs Inspector, Karimnagar (FAC), led the raid under the supervision of K. Dass, Assistant Director, Karimnagar (FAC). Officials collected samples of the seized medicines for analysis. They have launched a detailed investigation and said they would initiate legal action against those responsible.
Advisory to wholesalers and the public
The DCA warned wholesalers and dealers against supplying medicines to quacks, unqualified persons or unlicensed shops. Such violations would invite penal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, officials said.
The department said it would take stringent action against unauthorised and illegal supply chains. It directed wholesalers and dealers to supply medicines only to establishments holding a valid drug licence. They must also verify licence validity and maintain proper records before supplying medicines.
Officials said stocking medicines for sale without a licence attracts punishment of up to five years’ imprisonment under the Act.
The DCA urged the public to report illegal activities related to medicines, including suspected drug manufacturing and handling of narcotic or psychotropic substances. Complaints can be made through the DCA Telangana toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm on working days.
