Telangana: DCA seizes ‘Fer-XT Tablets, falsely manufactured medicines
DCA officials detected certain medicines circulating in the market with misleading claims, violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
By Newsmeter Network Published on 28 Aug 2024 1:00 PM GMT
DCA raids in Telangana
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has conducted a series of raids leading to seizures of illegally manufactured and misleadingly advertised medicines across various districts. These operations have raised concerns about public health risks posed by non-compliant pharmaceutical practices.
Seizure of Falsely Manufactured Drugs Marketed as Nutraceuticals
During raids carried out on August 27th and 28th, 2024, DCA officials in the Warangal Zone discovered the product "Fer-XT Tablets," which was falsely manufactured and sold under the guise of food products/nutraceuticals.
The tablets, containing Ferrous Ascorbate (100 mg) and Folic Acid (1.5 mg), were found to be illegally manufactured at Alfansa Bio Pvt. Ltd. in Prasanth Nagar, Hyderabad, and marketed by Phelix Healthcare, New Delhi.
P. Pavani, Drugs Inspector of Bhupalpally, who led the raid at a medical shop in Karimnagar, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “Manufacturing and selling 'drugs' without a valid 'drug license' is not only illegal but also poses a severe threat to public health. The seized Fer-XT Tablets were falsely claimed to be nutraceuticals, bypassing the stringent regulations required for drug manufacturing.”
The tablets, classified as a "drug" under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, were not produced according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and failed to meet the quality standards prescribed in the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Legal action against the offenders is expected.
Misleading Advertisements of Medicines
In separate raids, DCA officials detected certain medicines circulating in the market with misleading claims, violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Among the seized products were "Coolsure Plus Suspension," an allopathic medicine falsely claiming to treat "Peptic Ulcer," and "Bhringaraja Churnam," an Ayurvedic medicine falsely claiming to treat "Fever."
The medicines were manufactured by Aspen Lifesciences in Amritsar and Samraksha Ayurvedic Pharmacy in Kukatpally, respectively. The DCA has initiated further investigations, and those responsible for these violations may face imprisonment or fines.
Raid on Quack’s Clinic in Jagathgiri Gutta
On August 27th, 2024, the DCA raided the clinic of a quack named Devaji Vilas Patil in Jagathgiri Gutta, Quthbullapur Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri District.
The individual, posing as a "Rural Medical Practitioner," was found stocking and selling 32 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, and anti-ulcer drugs, without any valid drug license.
DCA officials seized the stock, worth approximately Rs. 15,000, during the raid.
Public Awareness and Reporting
The DCA has urged the public to report any suspected illegal drug manufacturing activities through the Telangana Drugs Control Administration's toll-free number 1800-599-6969. The hotline is operational from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm on all working days.
