Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 18: Fourteen medical shops, including a Jan Ayushadi Kendra, have been closed down in district Srinagar for violations in the last three days, officials from the Drug Control Department stated today.
They informed Excelsior that a comprehensive market check of drug sale establishments was conducted in a three-day special drive starting from February 15 in various areas of district Srinagar.
The team, comprised of Drug Control Officers of district Srinagar led by Assistant Drugs Controller Reema Gizala, inspected various medical shops within Srinagar city and peripheral areas of the district.
The areas inspected include Dalgate, around Chest Disease Hospital, Khyber Hospital; Khayam, Khanyar, around Gousia Hospital, Rainawari area, JLNM hospital; Gulab Bagh, Illahi Bagh, Nowshera; around Lal Ded Hospital, Mehjoor Nagar, Lasjan and Bemina.
Surprise inspections were conducted to check records of NRX and other Scheduled drugs, installation of CCTV cameras, and computerized billing systems. Fourteen medical shops were shut down for non-maintenance of records of scheduled drugs and for the absence of a qualified person, officials informed.
CCTV cameras were found installed and functional in most of the medical shops (98%); however, officials said compliance regarding the implementation of a computerized billing system was not up to the mark in peripheral areas.
“In response to this, strict directions were issued to ensure the implementation of computerized billing systems within a week’s time.”
Assistant Drugs Controller, Srinagar Reema Gizala emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory directives regarding the installation of digitalized billing systems and the proper maintenance of records for NRx drugs and other prescription medications.
She warned that failure to comply with these regulations would result in action against the defaulters under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
“The Drug Control Department will ensure the proper regulation and monitoring of pharmaceutical activities to safeguard public health interests,” she said.
The primary objective of these inspections, officials said, was to safeguard public health and prevent the misuse or unauthorized distribution of drugs amongst the patients and people in general.
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