Telangana DCA cracks down on illegal sale of abortion kits
HYDERABAD: The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has intensified its crackdown on the unauthorised sale of abortion kits. The department suspended 165 medical shop licences and cancelled seven licences after statewide inspections.
809 inspections conducted across Telangana
The DCA conducted 809 inspections at medical shops, quacks and premises linked to unqualified practitioners between August 22 and September 15, 2025.
During the inspections, officials found violations involving abortion kits at 234 medical shops. The department issued show-cause notices to the firms concerned.
The kits contain mifepristone and misoprostol. These medicines fall under Schedule H of the Drugs Rules. Pharmacies cannot sell them without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
DCA finds sales without prescriptions
Officials found several violations during the inspections. These included selling abortion kits without prescriptions and failing to issue bills.
Some shops also failed to maintain proper sales and purchase records. Others dispensed the medicines without a registered pharmacist present.
Following the violations, the DCA suspended 165 medical shop licences and cancelled seven licences. The department took the action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the rules made under it.
DCA warns against unsupervised use
The DCA advised people to use abortion kits only under medical supervision. Doctors should first conduct a proper clinical evaluation before prescribing the medicines.
The department warned that unsupervised use can lead to excessive uterine bleeding and other serious complications.
It also highlighted the risk of ectopic pregnancy. The medicines do not work in such cases. If doctors do not detect an ectopic pregnancy, the condition can cause tubal rupture and severe internal bleeding.
The DCA said the illegal sale of abortion kits is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules. It also warned pharmacies that further violations could lead to regulatory action.
