DCA seizes drugs from Goshamahal falsely claiming to cure heart blockage, menstrual issues

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, on Wednesday seized medicines being sold through misleading advertisements on the labels. They were being sold with the promise that the medicines would treat ‘heart diseases’ and ‘disorders of menstrual flow’.

Such claims are in contravention of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

Medicines with misleading labels

In a special drive on April 23-24, DCA officials found two medicines that were moving in the market with misleading and objectionable advertisements:

The drugs inspector of Goshamahal found that the sales of Cardinol Joshanda, a Unani medicine, were being done through misleading claims on the product label that the medicine ‘clears heart blockages.’ The label showed that the medicine was manufactured by Ahmed & Company, Gaganpahad, Hyderabad. The DCA seized the medicines from a medical shop in MJ Market, Abids, Hyderabad.

During a raid on a medical shop in Madhuranagar, Hyderabad, Yousufguda drugs inspector found that Colinol-Spas tablets (Mefenamic Acid and Dicyclomine Hydrochloride Tablets IP), an allopathic medicine, were being sold with misleading labels that said the medicine treats spasmodic dysmenorrhea and menstrual disorders. The drug was being manufactured by Vivimed Labs Ltd, Kashipur, Uttarakhand.

A case has been registered and further investigation is on.

Fake RMP held in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District

In a separate event, DCA officials raided a quack’s clinic and seized drugs stocked for sale at Yamanpalle Village, Mahamutharam Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District.

On credible information, DCA officials raided the premises of a quack K Narender at Yamanpalle Village, Mahamutharam Mandal, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District. Narender practising medicine as a ‘rural medical practitioner’ even though he lacked the proper license.

During the raid, the DCA officials detected huge stocks of medicines on the premises without any drug license. As many as 29 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, analgesics, anti-ulcer drugs, etc., were found stocked at the premises. Goods worth a total of Rs 26,800 were seized during the raid.

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

What is the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act?

Advertising a medicine for the treatment of ‘heart diseases’ and ‘disorders of menstrual flow’ is prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954

Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 prohibits the advertisement of certain drugs for the treatment of certain diseases and disorders. No person shall take part in the publication of advertisements regarding the diseases/disorders indicated under the act.

Persons who make misleading advertisements regarding drugs for treatment of certain diseases and disorders are punishable under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act with imprisonment which may extend to six months, or with a fine, or with both.

Public Advisory

Wholesalers/Dealers who supply medicines to such unqualified persons, who are stocking and selling drugs without a drug license, are also punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Wholesalers/Dealers shall mandatorily ensure that the recipient entities hold a valid drug license before supplying medicines.

The DCA Telangana 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 with imprisonment for up to five years.

The public may report any complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines through the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, toll-free number 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.