DCA raids Malakpet multi-specialty hospital selling medicines over MRP
A case has been registered against the hospital under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, read with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013
By Newsmeter Network Published on 29 Nov 2024 12:59 PM GMT
DCA raids in Malakpet multi-specialty hospital
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, conducted a raid on a multi-specialty hospital in Judges Colony, Malakpet, and uncovered the sale of medicines to patients at prices exceeding the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) printed on the labels.
A case has been registered against the hospital under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, read with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
Medicines sold at exorbitant prices
The investigation revealed excessive pricing on a range of medicines, including Zofer Injection (Ondansetron Injection): Labelled at Rs 13.35, sold for Rs 150, Avil Injection (Pheniramine Maleate Injection): Labelled at Rs 6.16, sold for Rs 100, NS 100 ml (Normal Saline ā Sodium Chloride Injection): Labelled at Rs 22.03, sold for Rs 180, Spafast-D Injection (Thiocolchicoside + Diclofenac Injection): Labeled at Rs 78, sold for Rs 150, IV Set: Labeled at Rs 198, sold for Rs 220.
The highest overcharge detected was on Normal Saline 100 ml, with an excess of Rs 157.70 per unit.
The raid was carried out by D Saritha, assistant director, Secunderabad, G Anil, drugs inspector, Malakpet and B Govind Singh, drugs inspector, Secunderabad.
Sales bills for the overpriced drugs were seized, and further investigation is underway.
According to the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, no person is allowed to sell medicines at a price exceeding the MRP indicated on the packaging. Violators are subject to penalties under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, which include imprisonment and fines.
āContravention of drug pricing rules is a serious offence. Action will be taken against all offenders in accordance with the law,ā stated VB Kamalasan Reddy, IPS, Director General, Drugs Control Administration, Telangana.
The DCA has urged the public to report any violations or illegal activities involving medicines, including the manufacture of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, to their toll-free number 1800-599-6969. The helpline is available from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.
