Telangana: DCA cracks down on misleading ads; seizes several disingenuous products

Hyderabad: Cracking down on misleading advertisements and pricing violations, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) raided several facilities and seized different products.

DCA officials detected 'EZEE-GO Pain Oil,’ an Ayurvedic medicine, in Alair, Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri District, carrying labels claiming treatment for 'Rheumatism.' This contravenes the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

The product, manufactured by Ruhani Herbals and marketed by SwisscheM Health Care, bears a misleading claim, and stocks. All these products were confiscated during a raid at Sri Srinivasa Medical and General stores.

DCA officials seized ‘FREZINE-10 Tablets’ (Flunarizine Tablets 10 mg) in Nizamabad on February 22, 2024, for violating price control regulations. The product, manufactured by Siddhi Vinayak Industries and marketed by Narbax Healthcare, was found to have an MRP significantly higher than the Ceiling Price fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA). The firm charged an excess of Rs. 4.51 per tablet, equivalent to 83.67%, resulting in a total stock worth Rs. 11,880 being seized.

Acting on credible information, DCA officials raided the clinic of a self-proclaimed ‘Rural Medical Practitioner,’ Bakthi Pradeep, at Chinna Gollapally Village, Ranga Reddy District. The unqualified practitioner was found stocking antibiotics, analgesics, cough syrups, anti-ulcer drugs, and antihypertensives, among others, without a proper drug license. The seized stock, valued at Rs. 20,000, included higher-generation antibiotics, raising concerns about public health and the emergence of antimicrobial resistance.

Director General V.B. Kamalasan Reddy emphasized the stringent actions that will be taken as per the law against offenders, including imprisonment and fines. He urged the public to report any complaints regarding illegal activities related to medicines through the toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational on working days from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.