DCA shuts quack’s clinic in Karimnagar; steroids among illegal stocks of drugs seized

Hyderabad: The Drugs Control Administration (DCA), Telangana, raided a clinic operated by an unqualified practitioner in Gattubuthkur village of Gangadhara mandal in Karimnagar district and seized medicines that were allegedly stocked and sold without a valid drug licence.

The raid was conducted on February 7 based on credible information.

Raid at unqualified practitioner’s clinic

DCA officials raided Hima Bindu First Aid Centre, located opposite the Government School in Gattubuthkur village, where Vemula Sai Krishna was reportedly conducting clinical practice without proper qualifications.

Officials said the clinic was operating without the required authorisation and was stocking medicines illegally for sale.

Medicines worth Rs 27,879 seized

During the inspection, officials found 73 varieties of medicines, including 19 varieties of Physician’s Samples. The seized stock included antibiotics, steroids, analgesics, antihypertensive drugs, and anti-ulcer medicines. The total value of the seized drugs is estimated at Rs 27,879.

Authorities stated that the medicines were stocked without a valid drug licence, which is mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.

Higher-generation antibiotics detected

DCA officials reported the presence of higher-generation antibiotics at the clinic, including ‘Cefotaxime, Cefpodoxime, Cefixime etc.’

The department warned that the ‘indiscriminate sale of antibiotics by unqualified persons may have disastrous consequences on the health of the public, including the emergence of ‘Antimicrobial Resistance’.’

Steroids found during inspection

Officials also found steroid medicines at the premises. The DCA cautioned that misuse of steroids can lead to multiple health risks.

The statement stated, “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.”

The raid was carried out by S. Umarani, Drugs Inspector, Karimnagar (FAC), under the supervision of K Dass, Assistant Director, Karimnagar (FAC).

DCA officers collected samples for analysis. Further investigation is underway, and officials said action will be taken as per the law against those found responsible.

Warning to wholesalers and dealers

The DCA issued an advisory to wholesalers and dealers supplying medicines, warning against sales to unqualified persons and unlicensed shops.

The department stated that those supplying drugs through ‘unauthorised and illegal supply chains’ will face penal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

“All Wholesalers/Dealers are mandatorily directed to ensure that medicines are supplied only to entities holding a valid drug license issued by the competent Licensing Authority,” the advisory said.

It added that suppliers must verify and maintain records of valid licences of recipient establishments before making supplies, and that non-compliance will attract strict legal action.

Legal provisions and public helpline

The DCA reiterated that drug licences for stocking and selling medicines are issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and that stocking drugs for sale without a licence is punishable with imprisonment of up to five years.

Members of the public can report illegal activities related to medicines and suspected drug manufacturing, including narcotic and psychotropic substances, through the DCA Telangana toll-free number: 1800-599-6969 (10:30 am to 5 pm on working days).