Telangana DCA seizes illegally stocked medicines from quack clinic in Bachupally
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana on November 21, 2024, has conducted a series of operations, targeting quacks, illegal drug stockpiling, and misleading drug advertisements across various districts in the state.
On November 21, DCA officials raided clinics operated by unqualified individuals claiming to be ‘Rural Medical Practitioners’. These quacks were found practicing medicine without the required qualifications, violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The raids, which took place in Bijwar Village (Utkoor Mandal, Narayanpet District), Bodu Village (Tekulapally Mandal, Bhadradri-Kothagudem District), and Bachupally Village (Medchal-Malkajgiri District), led to the seizure of a wide range of medicines stocked for sale without the necessary licenses.
The drugs seized included antibiotics like Cefixime and Amoxicillin, steroids like Hydrocortisone and Norethisterone, and other medications such as anti-ulcer drugs and analgesics. The total value of the seized medicines amounted to approximately Rs. 83,000. The improper sale of antibiotics and steroids poses serious health risks, including the development of antimicrobial resistance and dangerous side effects.
In a separate operation, DCA officials seized the overpriced ‘Izol 100 Capsules’ (Itraconazole Capsules 100 mg) at a medical shop in Kapra, Medchal-Malkajgiri District. The product, manufactured by Nuvista Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., was found to be sold at Rs. 79.99 for four capsules, which exceeds the ceiling price set by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The ceiling price for the drug is Rs. 66.68 for four capsules, including GST. The overpricing of essential medicines violates government regulations, and further investigations are being carried out to hold the offenders accountable.
In another raid, the DCA seized several medicines that were found to have misleading and illegal claims, violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. These products were being marketed with unsubstantiated health claims, including treatments for cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and fever.
Among the seized products were Triphala Powder, ED Phenicol (Chloramphenicol Eye Ointment), Tulasi Leaf Churnam, KAPIVA BP Care Juice, and Madhuriktha Powder. Advertising such claims is prohibited under the Act to prevent the public from being misled into using ineffective or dangerous treatments. These products were found in various locations, including Jangaon, Jeedimetla, Begumpet, Kondapur, and Jagtial. Legal action will be taken against the manufacturers and distributors responsible for these misleading advertisements.
V.B. Kamalasan Reddy, the Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, encouraged the public to report any suspected illegal activities related to drugs or medications through the DCA’s toll-free helpline at 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on all working days.
