DCA Telangana cracks down on overpricing and misleading drug claims

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, conducted raids in Nalgonda, Bhadrachalam, and Nirmal, taking action against pharmacies violating pricing regulations and medicines making misleading health claims.

Pharmacy Caught Selling Medicine Above MRP

Acting on credible information, DCA officials raided Anil Pharmacy, located in Leelavati Hospital, Nalgonda, on February 21. The pharmacy was found selling ‘Electral’ at a price higher than the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) mentioned on the label. Officials seized sales bills as evidence.

According to the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, selling medicines above MRP is a punishable offense under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. “No person shall sell any medicine at a price exceeding the price indicated on the label,” said an official statement.

Medicines Seized for Misleading Claims

In separate raids, DCA officials seized two Ayurvedic medicines being marketed with misleading health claims.

Kirathathiktha Powder, manufactured by Anjaneya Ayurveda in Andhra Pradesh, was detected in Bhadrachalam with claims of treating diabetes. Similarly, Jwar Nashak Vati, manufactured by Divya Pharmacy in Uttarakhand, was detected in Nirmal, claiming to cure chronic fevers.

The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, prohibits advertising medicines for treating certain diseases and disorders. “No person shall participate in publishing advertisements regarding these diseases,” the statement clarified.

Ch. Sampath Kumar, Drugs Inspector, Kothagudem, and M. Shyam Sundar, Drugs Inspector, Nirmal, conducted the raids.

Public Urged to Report Violations

The DCA has urged the public to report any suspected illegal drug manufacturing or sales violations. Complaints can be lodged through the DCA Telangana Toll-Free Number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on working days.