Srinagar, February 18: Fourteen medical shops were shut down for non-maintenance of records of scheduled drugs and for the absence of a qualified person in central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.
An official said that a comprehensive market check of drug sale establishments was carried out in a three-day special drive commencing on 15-02-2024 in various areas of District Srinagar.
“A team comprising Drug Control Officers of District Srinagar, headed by Assistant Drugs Controller Srinagar ReemaGizala, inspected various medical shops within Srinagar city and peripheral areas of District Srinagar, including Dalgate, Chest Disease Hospital, Khyber Hospital, Khayam area, Khanyar, Gousia Hospital, Rainawari area, JLNM Hospital, GulabBagh, IllahiBagh, Nowshera, LalDed Hospital, Mehjoor Nagar, Lasjan, and Bemina,” he said.
“Surprise inspections were conducted to check records of NRX and other scheduled drugs, installation of CCTV cameras, and computerized billing systems. Fourteen medical shops were shut down for non-maintenance of records of scheduled drugs and for the absence of a qualified person,” he added.
CCTV cameras were found installed and functional in most of the medical shops (98 percent). However, compliance regarding the implementation of a computerized billing system was not found up to the mark in peripheral areas. In response to this, strict directions were issued to ensure the implementation of computerized billing systems within a week’s time.
Gizala emphasized the importance of adhering to regulatory directives regarding the installation of digitalized billing systems and the proper maintenance of records for NRx drugs and other prescription medications. She warned that failure to comply with these regulations would result in action against the defaulters under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
She added that the Drug Control Department will ensure the proper regulation and monitoring of pharmaceutical activities to safeguard public health interests. The primary objective of these inspections was to safeguard public health and prevent the misuse or unauthorized distribution of drugs among patients and people in general.
Additionally, the team underscored the significance of implementing digitalized billing systems in medical shops, which not only facilitate transparency in transactions but also aid in maintaining accurate records.
Furthermore, ADC Srinagar said that the Drug Control Department shall uphold the highest standards of pharmaceutical governance and promote a drug-free society through initiatives like the NashaMukt Bharat Abhiyan.KNS
