Jammu Kashmir Govt Seals Eight Pharmacies, Cancels Licenses

SRINAGAR: In a sweeping enforcement drive aimed at strengthening drug regulation and protecting public health, the government of Jammu and Kashmir has sealed multiple pharmacies, cancelled licences, and confiscated illegal drug stock across the Union Territory.

Acting on mounting concerns over the misuse of psychotropic and prescription drugs, the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) launched surprise inspections across districts to check compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The drive targeted the retail sale of habit-forming drugs, improper record-keeping, and unlicensed practices.

During the drive, drug sale licences of eight pharmacies were cancelled for failing to maintain proper sale records of controlled substances and for not implementing a computerised billing system, which is mandatory to ensure traceability and accountability in the supply chain. The shops whose licences were cancelled include: M/s Aatir Enterprises, Ganjiwara, Anantnag; M/s Al-Mehdi Medicate; M/s Shehjar Pharmacy, Budgam; M/s Medicity Pharmacy, Chadoora; M/s New Bhat Medicate, Chadoora; M/s Dar Medicate, Qazipora, Chadoora, Budgam; M/s Pharma Plus Medicare, near Zara Diagnostic Lab, Kheora, Rajouri and M/s Happy Saini Medical Hall, Haria Chak, Marheen

These shops were subsequently sealed by the regulatory authorities, effectively ceasing their operations.

In addition to the cancellations, operations of 75 retail sale establishments were disallowed on the spot under Section 22(d) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. These outlets were found to be operating in violation of drug storage norms, lacked sale record maintenance, or had unqualified personnel managing the counters. The enforcement teams took action in multiple districts, sealing nine shops each in Jammu, Rajouri, and Anantnag, six each in Kupwara and Budgam, five each in Udhampur and Kulgam, four in Pulwama, three each in Kathua, Samba, Ramban, Doda, Baramulla, and Shopian, two in Poonch, and one each in Reasi, Kishtwar, Srinagar, Ganderbal, Ramban, and Kathua.

Furthermore, more than 500 samples of drug formulations were randomly lifted for laboratory analysis. These samples are now under testing at designated Drug Testing Laboratories within Jammu and Kashmir to assess their strength, purity, and quality. The findings will determine further legal action.

Regulatory officers also confiscated drug stock worth Rs 8,40,348 that was found to be in violation of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The seized stock was removed from the supply chain under Section 23 of the Act.

Lotika Khajuria, the State Drugs Controller, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards violations of pharmaceutical laws. She urged all chemists and druggists to strictly comply with licence conditions and warned of stern action in future enforcement rounds.

“The trade fraternity must follow the licence conditions in letter and spirit. Any lapse will invite firm regulatory action,” she said.

The government’s move is seen as part of a broader public health strategy to prevent the illegal flow of narcotic and prescription drugs, particularly among vulnerable sections of society. The current drive is expected to continue, with more inspections planned in the coming weeks. (With inputs from KNC)