DCA stops illegal sale of abortion kits at 149 medical shops across Telangana

The operation revealed violations in 149 medical shops, prompting the issuance of show cause notices and the initiation of departmental action.

The inspections focused on detecting unauthorised sales of drugs like Mifepristone and Misoprostol, which are classified under Schedule H of the Drugs Rules and are legally restricted to prescription-based use under medical supervision.

Violations across pharmacies

According to the DCA, the drive exposed several regulatory breaches, including:

- Sale of abortion drugs without a valid prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP)

- Dispensing without issuing bills

- Absence of a registered pharmacist during the sale

- Failure to produce purchase or sales bills

- Lack of prescription drug registers and incomplete documentation

- Other non-compliances under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

“These drugs are not only potent but also highly sensitive. Their misuse can lead to severe health complications,” said Shahnawaz Qasim, IPS, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, in a statement.

Unsupervised use of abortion kits can bring deadly side effects

In its public notice, the DCA emphasised that abortion kits are not to be used without proper clinical evaluation, which includes an ultrasound and a detailed consultation with a qualified gynaecologist.

“Abortion kits are mandatorily to be used only under the supervision of a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP) after proper clinical evaluation and ultrasound,” the department stated.

Kits are ineffective against ectopic pregnancy

The kits contain Mifepristone and Misoprostol, drugs which can trigger serious side effects if consumed without guidance. The administration warned that unsupervised usage could result in excessive uterine bleeding, complications in undiagnosed ectopic pregnancies and even fatal outcomes such as tubal rupture and hypovolemic shock.

“In cases of ectopic pregnancy, these medications are completely ineffective. If an ectopic pregnancy goes undiagnosed and such drugs are consumed, it can result in tubal rupture, severe internal bleeding, hypovolemic shock and even death,” the statement noted.

Rules regarding the sale and usage of abortion kits

Abortion kits are regulated under the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 2002 and MTP Rules, 2003. These specify that abortions must be conducted by registered and qualified gynaecologists in approved facilities, ensuring both legal compliance and patient safety.

As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, the illegal sale of these medications is a punishable offence. The DCA has assured strict enforcement action against pharmacies found in violation.

“The Drugs Control Administration will initiate strict legal action against pharmacies found violating the regulatory provisions regarding the sale of Abortion Kits,” the statement affirmed.

Public urged to act

The DCA has also urged citizens to report any suspected manufacturing or illegal sale of drugs, including narcotic or psychotropic substances. Complaints can be registered through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 am to 5 pm on working days.