Telangana: DCA raids quacks’ clinics at Pangal, Nidugurthy; seize steroids, meds worth Rs 55K

Hyderabad: Intensifying crackdown, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) raided quacks' clinics at Pangal village in Wanaparthy district and Nidugurthy village in Narayanpet district.

Medicines and harmful steroids worth Rs 55,000 were seized during the operation.

Based on credible information, officials from the DCA raided the premises of quacks/unauthorized practitioners who were practicing medicine without proper qualifications at their clinics.

During the raids, substantial quantities of medicines stocked for sale without a drug license were found.

In Pangal village, the officials found 28 types of medicines stocked at a quack identified as MD. Nawaj Miya. Similarly, 30 types of medicines were found at another quack Batti Srinivas Goud in Nidugurthy village in Narayanpet district.

DCA officials detected several higher-generation ‘antibiotics’ at the clinics during the raids. Indiscriminate sale of antibiotics by unqualified persons may have disastrous consequences on the health of the rural public, including the emergence of ‘Antimicrobial Resistance’.

Officials also found ‘steroids’ at the clinic of a quack.

DCA director VB Kamalasan Reddy said that misusing steroids could have serious health consequences, including immune system suppression, hormonal imbalances, muscle and bone weakness, cardiovascular problems, and psychological effects. The indiscriminate use of steroids poses significant risks to public health. The officials seized the stocks, worth a total of Rs. 55,000, during the raids, he added.

Reddy also said that the officers lifted the samples for analysis. Further investigation would be carried out, and action would be taken as per the law against all the offenders. Wholesalers/Dealers who supply medicines to such unqualified persons/unlicensed entities, who are stocking and selling drugs without a drug license, are also punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and stringent action shall be taken against such Wholesalers/Dealers.

Wholesalers/Dealers shall mandatorily ensure that the recipient entities hold a valid drug license before supplying medicines to them. The DCA issues drug licenses for the stocking and selling of medicines by the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Stocking drugs for sale without a drug license is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, with imprisonment for up to five years, the DCA director said.

Public Advisory

The public may report any suspected manufacturing activity related to drugs, including narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, in residential, commercial, or industrial areas, as well as any other complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines, through the DCA, Telangana Toll-Free Number 1800-599-6969, which is operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.