DCA cracks down on quacks illegally treating people in Ranga Reddy, Mahabubabad

Hyderabad: In a significant crackdown on unauthorised medical practices, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana raided two clinics run by unqualified individuals in Ranga Reddy and Mahabubabad districts.

The seized stock was valued at Rs 50,147, and officials collected samples for further analysis. Among the seized drugs were potent antibiotics such as Cefixime, Ceftriaxone, Cefpodoxime, Amoxicillin and Metronidazole.

Potent antibiotics seized

The raids, conducted on Tuesday, based on credible intelligence, targeted clinics operated by self-proclaimed ‘rural medical practitioners’ who were practising medicine without formal qualifications or licenses.

At both locations, officials discovered a wide range of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, IV fluids, and medical devices, all stocked without valid drug licenses. In Raviryala Village, Tukkuguda Municipality, Ranga Reddy District, a clinic run by Gundlapalli Narsimha was found stocking 37 varieties of medicines.

In a separate raid at Old Dornakal Village, Dornakal Mandal, Mahabubabad District, officials seized 39 varieties of drugs from Mohammed Masood’s First Aid Centre, including 17 types of ‘Physician’s Samples – Not for Sale’. The indiscriminate and unregulated sale of such medicines, particularly by untrained individuals, raises serious public health concerns, including the threat of antimicrobial resistance.

At the Raviryala clinic, officials also found the steroid Dexamethasone, the misuse of which can lead to severe health risks such as hormonal imbalance, immune suppression and cardiovascular complications. The DCA stated that a detailed investigation is underway, and legal action will be initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

163 cases against quacks since January 2024

This operation is part of a broader campaign by the DCA, which has registered 163 cases against quacks since January 2024 for illegally stocking and selling drugs.

The DCA has issued a strict warning to wholesalers and dealers, stating that those found supplying medicines to unauthorised and unlicensed persons will face penal action, including imprisonment. Suppliers are mandated to verify and maintain records of valid drug licenses before delivering medicines.

Public advisory

Citizens are urged to report any illegal drug manufacturing or sales activities to the DCA via the Toll-Free Number: 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.