Hyderabad, Feb 8 (NationPress) Officials from the Drugs Control Administration in Telangana conducted a raid on a quack's clinic located in Karimnagar district, seizing drugs that were unlawfully stored for sale.

Shahnawaz Qasim, Director General of the Drugs Control Administration, disclosed on Sunday that based on credible information, officials targeted the premises of quack Vemula Sai Krishna at the Hima Bindu First Aid Centre, situated in Gattubuthkur Village, Gangadhara Mandal.

The investigation uncovered that Sai Krishna was practicing medicine without the necessary qualifications. During the operation, DCA officials identified 73 different types of medications, which included 19 varieties of physician samples, along with antibiotics, steroids, analgesics, antihypertensive drugs, and anti-ulcer medications, all stored at the site without a valid drug license.

Among the seized items were several antibiotics such as Cefotaxime, Cefpodoxime, and Cefixime. The unregulated distribution of these antibiotics by untrained individuals could have dire implications for public health, including the rise of Antimicrobial Resistance, warned the Director General.

Qasim also indicated that steroids were found at the quack's clinic. The misuse of steroids can lead to severe health issues, such as suppression of the immune system, hormonal imbalances, muscle and bone weakness, cardiovascular complications, and psychological effects. The indiscriminate usage of steroids poses considerable threats to public health.

Drugs Inspector S. Umarani from Karimnagar executed the raid under the guidance of Sri K. Dass, Assistant Director in Karimnagar. Samples were collected for further analysis.

Additional investigations will proceed, and legal actions will be initiated against all involved parties.

The DCA has issued a warning that wholesalers and dealers providing drugs to quacks, unqualified practitioners, and unlicensed establishments will face legal repercussions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Stringent measures will be enforced against those involved in unauthorized and illegal supply chains.

All wholesalers and dealers are strictly instructed to ensure that medicines are supplied exclusively to entities possessing a valid drug license issued by the appropriate licensing authority. It is the duty of every wholesaler and dealer to verify and keep records of the validity of drug licenses of the recipient establishments before making supplies. Failure to comply will result in severe legal consequences, stated the DCA Director General.

The DCA grants drug licenses for the storage and sale of medicines in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Storing medications for sale without a valid drug license is punishable under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which may lead to imprisonment for up to five years.