Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sep 6: In continuation to its efforts to curb the misuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances, sleuths of Drugs & Food Control Organization (DFCO) carried out surprise checks of drug sales establishments (Retail/Wholesale) across the Jammu Province.
During the drive, operations of 14 establishments were disallowed u/s 22 (d) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 for violation of conditions of licenses particularly for not maintaining the sales as contemplated under relevant provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 & the rules there-under.
Statutory Drug samples of more than 200 fast moving/commonly prescribed lesser known drug formulations viz Anti-diabetics, Antihypertensive, Cardiovascular etc were lifted from the supply chain for determination of strength and purity. These samples were referred to Drug Testing Laboratories located within and outside Jammu and Kashmir for framing legal opinion to ascertain their quality parameters.
Moreover, 1150 tablets of Alprazolam were confiscated by the Regulatory Officers of the Organization under the relevant provisions of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act and the investigations in the matter initated.
State Drugs Controller J&K Lotika Khajuria has impressed upon the Pharma Trade fraternity not to indulge in direct procurement/purchase of Psychotropic Drugs viz Tapentadol, Tramadol, Alprazolam, Clonazepam etc from the suppliers based outside J&K in particular of lesser known brands which are prone to filch in the hands of nefarious elements otherwise, strict action as contemplated under provisions of Act shall be initiated against the defaulters.
Deputy Drug Controller Mohd Iqbal Pala informed that modalities are being worked out to channelize and restrict the procurement and sale of such pharmaceutical preparations through identified Retailers/Wholesalers within the permissible limits only, especially near tertiary Care Center, District Hospitals, Psychiatric Clinics to curb the diversion and misuse of aforementioned drugs without affecting the legitimate requirements of the patients for prevention and cure.
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