DCA shuts clinic run by quack in Hanumakonda, seizes illegal stocks of antibiotics and steroids

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, raided an unlicensed clinic run by a quack in Damera Village of Elkathurthi Mandal in Hanumakonda district and seized medicines illegally stocked for sale, officials said on Tuesday.

Raid based on credible information

According to the DCA, officials conducted the raid on January 6, acting on credible information.

The premises belonged to Swargam Sathish Babu, who was operating a clinic under the name First Aid Clinic without possessing the required medical qualifications or a valid drug licence.

Antibiotics, steroids among 30 drug varieties seized

During the inspection, officials seized 30 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, analgesics, anti-ulcer drugs and antihypertensive medicines. The total value of the seized stock was estimated at Rs 21,650.

The DCA warned that the presence of antibiotics at the clinic was a serious concern.

Officials stated that ‘the indiscriminate sale of antibiotics by unqualified persons may have disastrous consequences on the health of the public, including the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.’

Public health risks from steroid misuse

Officials also found steroids at the premises and flagged the risks to public health associated with their misuse.

The DCA cautioned that ‘misusing steroids can have serious health consequences, including immune system suppression, hormonal imbalances, muscle and bone weakness, cardiovascular problems and psychological effects.’

Samples sent for analysis

The raid was carried out by J Kiran Kumar, Drugs Inspector, Hanumakonda, under the supervision of Dr G Rajyalakshmi, Assistant Director, Warangal.

Officials lifted samples of the seized medicines for laboratory analysis. The department said further investigation is underway and legal action will be initiated against all offenders.

Advisory to wholesalers and dealers

Issuing a strict advisory, the DCA warned wholesalers and dealers against supplying medicines to quacks and unlicensed establishments.

The department stated that ‘wholesalers and dealers supplying medicines to quacks, unqualified persons, and unlicensed shops shall be liable for penal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.’

It further said that stringent action shall be initiated against wholesalers and dealers involved in unauthorised and illegal supply chains.

The DCA directed that medicines must be supplied only to entities holding a valid drug licence issued by the competent licensing authority, adding that verifying and maintaining licence records of buyers is the responsibility of every wholesaler and dealer.

Legal consequences for illegal stocking

The department reiterated that stocking medicines for sale without a valid licence is a punishable offence.

It stated that stocking drugs for sale without a drug licence is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with imprisonment for up to five years.

Public asked to report illegal drug activities

The DCA urged the public to report illegal drug-related activities, including suspected manufacturing of medicines, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Complaints can be made through the DCA Telangana toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.