Telangana DCA Cracks Down on Online Pharmacies, Issues Notices to 41 Medical Shops
HYDERABAD: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, launched a special enforcement drive against online pharmacies across the state on June 6, 2026. During the operation, officials identified multiple violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and issued show-cause notices to 41 medical shops.
166 Medical Shops Inspected
Officials inspected 166 medical shops during the statewide drive. Among them, 159 shops were linked to online medicine delivery services. These included licensed premises of online pharmacy operators and their network partner pharmacies. Another seven shops were associated with online business-to-business (B2B) platforms such as IndiaMART.
Officials Detect Multiple Violations
The inspections uncovered several regulatory lapses. Many shops failed to maintain or produce medicine sales bills. Some did not maintain prescription drug registers or Schedule H1 drug registers. Officials also found that several establishments could not produce purchase invoices for medicines.
In some cases, medical shops dispensed prescription medicines without valid prescriptions from registered medical practitioners. Inspectors also found instances where staff sold medicines without the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Poor maintenance of sales and purchase records emerged as another common violation.
Show-Cause Notices Issued
Based on these findings, the DCA issued show-cause notices to 41 medical shops connected to online pharmacy operations. The administration said it would take further action under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and related rules.
DCA Warns of Strict Action
The DCA reminded all medical shops, including those linked to online platforms, to comply fully with statutory requirements. The administration warned that it would take stringent action against any establishment that violates the law.
Public Asked to Report Illegal Drug Activities
The administration urged citizens to report illegal medicine-related activities and suspected drug manufacturing operations. This includes activities involving narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in residential, commercial, or industrial areas.
People can submit complaints through the Telangana Drugs Control Administration’s toll-free helpline, 1800-599-6969. The helpline operates from 10.30 am to 5.00 pm on all working days.
The Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, released these details on June 7, 2026.
