Under the instructions of Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat, the Drug & Food Control Organization (D&FCO), today conducted a special drive to prevent and regulate the sale of addictive drugs in the markets of Jammu and Srinagar cities.Under the overall supervision of Controller, Drugs & Food Control Organizaiton, Ms. Lotika Khajuria, 12 teams of Drug Inspectors, each headed by Assistant Controller Drug were constituted to conduct the surprise inspections of whole sellers and retailers dealing with the medicines in the areas falling within the jurisdictions of Jammu and Srinagar cities. During the day long operation, the teams conducted as many as 146 inspections, 71 in Jammu and 75 in Srinagar and collected 68 samples of various drugs.
During the course of inspection, 47 firms and outlets were found violating the provisions of the act and non-maintenance of records of addictive drugs that led to the suspension of 47 licences, 27 at Jammu and 20 at Srinagar. The authorities have warned the chemists to strictly follow the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and restrict the sale of such restricted drugs only to the bonafide consumers/patients.The special drive was undertaken in view of the growing menace of drug abuse and to ensure sale and supply of quality and safe drugs to patients in the state.The Minister issued specific instructions to the Controller Drugs & Food Control Organization to conduct regular inspections in the market and keep strict vigil on the activities of unscrupulous elements and drug paddlers indulging in unlawful sale and supply of banned and restricted drugs. He also appealed the dealers of medicine to help in curbing the menace of drug abuse in the society.