Quack clinics to false health claims: What Telangana DCA uncovered in raids

Hyderabad: In a series of raids targeting unlicensed medical shops, unauthorised clinics run by quacks, and medicines marketed with misleading health claims, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) in Telangana has uncovered several illegal medical activities in regions including Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Warangal, and Bhupalpally.

The DCA officials also seized medicines valued at an approximate value of Rs. 58,000.

Raid on Unlicensed Medical Shop in Hyderabad

On November 13, the DCA raided an unlicensed medical shop at Noorkhan Bazar in Hyderabad, operated by Dr. Yahya Aslam Bin Mahfooz. The shop was found to be selling 23 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics and painkillers, without a drug license. During the raid, officials seized stock worth Rs. 18,000.

“Wholesalers and dealers must ensure that recipient entities hold a valid drug license before supplying medicines to them. Violating this is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,” stated T. Rajamouli, Assistant Director, Hyderabad.

According to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, selling medicines without a valid drug license is punishable with imprisonment for up to five years.

Quack-run Clinics Raided in Medchal-Malkajgiri, Sangareddy

The DCA also conducted raids on clinics operated by unlicensed practitioners in Chinthal, Quthbullapur, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Fasalwadi in Sangareddy.

The clinics, claiming to be operated by “Rural Medical Practitioners,” were found to be storing and selling medications illegally, including antibiotics, steroids, anti-ulcer drugs, analgesics, and antihypertensives. The DCA seized medicines worth Rs. 40,000 from these locations.

Seizure of Falsely Manufactured Tablets in Warangal

DCA officials in Warangal seized Thioget Tablets (Thiamine Hydrochloride 100mg), manufactured by Lakra Polytex, Himachal Pradesh, under a “food license.” The product, falsely marketed as a “food product” or “nutraceutical,” was classified as a drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and should have been manufactured under a proper drug license.

Misleading Health Claims on Medicine Labels

In a separate series of raids, the DCA seized medicines falsely advertised to treat severe health conditions like leprosy, diabetes, blood pressure, and urinary stones. The following products were detected with misleading claims:

• Podapathri Churnam (Ayurvedic medicine), claimed to treat leprosy and diabetes, manufactured by Arogya Rama Herbals, Shamirpet.

• Arjuna Churnam (Ayurvedic medicine), claimed to treat blood pressure, also manufactured by Arogya Rama Herbals.

• AbiSTONE-B6 Syrup (Allopathic medicine), claimed to treat urinary stones, manufactured by Biocore Pharmaceuticals, Himachal Pradesh.

These products were found in Medchal-Malkajgiri and Bhupalpally and were promoted in violation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

“Advertising medicines for the treatment of specific diseases without approval is prohibited. Such practices mislead consumers and can harm public health,” said M. Hemalatha, Drugs Inspector, Gandimaisamma.

Public Urged to Report Illegal Medicine Activities

The DCA has urged the public to report any illegal drug-related activities, including unlicensed manufacturing or distribution of medicines, to its toll-free number 1800-599-6969. The service operates from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on working days.