DCA stops sale of overpriced drugs in Vanasthalipuram, shuts quack’s clinic

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, seized Rs 5.52 lakhs worth of stocks of two overpriced medicines at Vanasthalipuram, Hayathnagar Mandal, Rangareddy District. The MRP of the seized goods were high compared to the ceiling price fixed for the product by the government.

In a separate event, the DCA raided a quack’s clinic and seized drugs stocked for sale at Bowrampet Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri District.

Seizure of overpriced medicines

The DCA seized two overpriced medicines: Itraconazole Capsules BP 100 mg and Itraconazole Capsules BP 200 mg. This was done during a raid on a medical shop in Vanasthalipuram on April 22-23.

The product Itraconazole Capsules 100 mg sold under the brand name ‘Itrarole-100’ and the Itraconazole Capsules 200 mg sold under the brand name ‘Itrarole-200’ are under price control as per Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 and the price of the products shall be following the ‘Ceiling Price’ fixed by National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), Government of India.

How much were the prices inflated?

The Itrarole-100 stock found at the medical shop was found to be manufactured by Sunfine Health Care from Solan District, Himachal Pradesh. It was being marketed by Gementis Life Sciences, Karnal, Haryana.

As per the MRP on the label, the medicine was being sold for Rs 310 per 10 capsules. However, its ceiling price is supposed to be Rs 16.67 for one capsule and the MRP (Ceiling price with GST) should be Rs 18.67.

The medical shop was selling Itrarole-100 for Rs 12.33 in excess per capsule. The DCA officials seized Rs 30,690 worth of stocks.

Itrarole-200 was also found to be manufactured by Sunfine Health Care and marketed by Gementis Life Sciences. The MRP of the capsules was mentioned as Rs 435 per 10 capsules. However, the ceiling price of the capsules is fixed at Rs 22.12 for one capsule and the MRP can’t exceed Rs 24.77. Each capsule was being sold at Rs 18.73 extra. The DCA officials seized stocks worth Rs 5,22,000.

A case has been registered and further investigation is on.

Quack’s clinic raided

The DCA officials raided the premises of a quack V Naresh, at Bowrampet Village, Medchal-Malkajgiri District, who was treating people as a ‘medical practitioner’ without any proper qualification at his clinic, Jayasri First Aid Centre.

During the raid, the DCA officials detected huge stocks of medicines at the premises without any drug license. As many as 26 varieties of medicines, including antibiotics, steroids, analgesics, anti-ulcer drugs, etc., were found. DCA officials seized stock worth Rs 15,000 during the raid.

Unsupervised sale of antibiotics, steroids

The DCA officials detected several ‘antibiotics’ 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.

Officials also found ‘steroids’ at the clinic. Misusing steroids can 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.

A case has been registered and further investigation is on.

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.