Hyderabad: DCA suspends licences of 6 pharmacies for 30 days over illegal insulin sales
These injections were sourced from New Delhi without purchase bills
By Newsmeter Network Published on 27 May 2024 1:35 PM GMT
Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has suspended the licenses of six medical wholesalers for 30 days following their illegal procurement of insulin injections (pre-filled pens) without purchase bills. This action is accompanied by prosecution proceedings against the wholesalers.
Stocks worth Rs 51.92 lakhs seized
Between March 15 and March 20, the DCA officials conducted raids at six medical distributors in Hyderabad. During these inspections, it was discovered that insulin injections were being sold at discounts exceeding 40 per cent. These injections were sourced from New Delhi without purchase bills.
The DCA seized stocks worth Rs 51.92 lakhs during the raids. The wholesalers involved were found to be offering significant discounts on the insulin injections due to the lack of purchase bills, which violates the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Details of wholesalers and seized stocks
Drug Hub in Secunderabad: Rs 6.70 lakhs
Thirumala Pharma in Medchal-Malkajgiri District: Rs 3.52 lakhs
Shree Paras Medical Agencies in Sultan Bazar, Hyderabad: Rs 9 lakhs
Sri Ganesh Pharma Distributors in Medchal-Malkajgiri District: Rs 14 lakhs
Sree Raja Rajeshwara Distributors in Medchal-Malkajgiri District: Rs 2.70 lakhs
Sri Balaji Agencies in Kachiguda, Hyderabad: Rs 16 lakhs
Tax evasion and health and safety risks
āThe illegal procurement and sale of medicines without purchase bills present significant health and safety risks. The lack of proper documentation means the quality, authenticity, and safety of the medicines cannot be verified, posing potential dangers to consumers,ā officials said.
Additionally, the failure to maintain purchase bills may lead to tax evasion, as it prevents accurate reporting of expenses and revenues related to the procurement and sale of medicines.
In response to these violations, the DCA has taken stringent actions by suspending the licenses of the involved wholesalers for 30 days and initiating prosecution proceedings.
Public advisory
The public is encouraged to report any complaints regarding illegal activities concerning medicines through the DCAās toll-free number: 1800-599-6969, operational from 10:30 am to 5 pm on all working days.
