Were eight medical stores in Ahmedabad caught selling cough syrup without a prescription?
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Ahmedabad, Dec 10 (NationPress) The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) carried out unexpected inspections at eight medical stores in Ahmedabad for reportedly distributing cough syrup without a doctor's prescription.
Each of the eight locations has been issued show-cause notices and required to provide an immediate explanation.
This enforcement action is part of the FDCA's continuous efforts to guarantee that the public receives safe and quality medicines.
Officials indicated that stringent measures are being taken throughout the state against entities breaching drug safety laws.
The inspections spanned medical stores in areas like Ghatlodia, Satellite, Vejalpur, and Prahladnagar, encompassing Apollo Pharmacy (Ghatlodia), Krishna Medical, Solcure Pharmacy, Namnidhi Pharma, NAM: Wellness, Natraj Medical, Apollo Pharmacy (Vejalpur), and Apollo Pharmacy (Prahladnagar).
During the inspections, five of the eight stores were found selling cough syrup without a registered pharmacist present. At two other locations, pharmacists were available but still sold the syrup without valid prescriptions. One medical store was discovered closed during the inspection.
The FDCA has instructed all eight establishments to provide detailed explanations.
Officials stated that strict actions will follow once the responses are assessed. The department also emphasized that it routinely tests drug samples, takes action against adulterated or fake medicines, and conducts inspections of medical stores statewide. Violations such as the absence of registered pharmacists, distribution of expired or counterfeit drugs, illegal sale of cough syrups, and unauthorized distribution of MTP kits are treated severely under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) in Gujarat plays a vital role in assuring that medicines, food items, and cosmetics available to the public are safe, genuine, and high-quality. It supervises the manufacturing and sale of drugs, conducts surprise inspections of medical stores, tests samples for adulteration or counterfeit products, and enforces compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The FDCA also oversees prescription-only medications, verifies the presence of registered pharmacists at stores, and takes strict legal actions against infractions. Its overarching mission is to protect public health by maintaining comprehensive oversight over the state's pharmaceutical and food supply chain.