India
117 Medical Shops in Telangana Suspended for Illicit Sale of Habit‑Forming Drugs
The Telangana Standards Authority for Food and Essential Drugs (TG SAFE) has suspended the licences of 117 medical shops across the state for violations involving the sale of habit‑forming drugs, including psychotropic substances and Schedule H and H1 medicines. Four additional establishments received warnings as part of the authority’s ongoing enforcement effort against illegal drug sales and diversion. The action followed a special enforcement drive on 24 October, during which officials from the Drugs Wing and Enforcement Wing police raided medical shops in vulnerable areas of Telangana. Of the 117 shops suspended, 84 were ordered to remain closed until further notice, while 33 were suspended for specified periods. The total number of enforcement actions now stands at 121. TG SAFE said the measures target establishments that breached the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its rules, especially those governing the sale of habit‑forming medicines. The authority warned chemists and druggists that habit‑forming drugs, including psychotropic substances and medicines under Schedule H and H1, cannot be sold without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner and must not be sold in the absence of a registered pharmacist.
Frequently asked questions
How many medical shops had their licences suspended by TG SAFE?
117 medical shops had their licences suspended.
What types of drugs were involved in the violations?
The violations involved the sale of habit‑forming drugs, including psychotropic substances and medicines under Schedule H and H1.
What conditions must be met to legally sell habit‑forming drugs?
Habit‑forming drugs, including psychotropics and Schedule H/H1 medicines, cannot be sold without a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner and must not be sold in the absence of a registered pharmacist.