Mon Nov 17 23:22:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article version of the provided text:

Summary:

The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) conducted a statewide inspection of medical shops on November 17, 2025, and subsequently issued show-cause notices to 196 retail outlets due to violations in the sale and dispensing of medicines. The inspections focused on irregularities related to Schedule H1 drugs (like strong antibiotics and habit-forming medications), including selling without prescriptions, lack of qualified pharmacists present, and inadequate record-keeping. Further action will be taken based on the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.

News Article:

Telangana Cracks Down on Medical Shops: 196 Notices Issued for Drug Dispensing Violations

Hyderabad, November 18, 2025 – The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) announced today that it has issued show-cause notices to 196 retail medical shops across the state following a surprise inspection drive conducted on Monday, November 17, 2025. The crackdown targeted widespread irregularities in the sale and dispensing of critical medicines, particularly those classified under Schedule H1.

The inspections focused on ensuring compliance with regulations concerning high-risk medications such as higher-generation antibiotics and habit-forming drugs. DCA officials stated the primary goal was to confirm these powerful medications are only dispensed with valid prescriptions from registered medical practitioners.

“We found numerous instances of pharmacies failing to adhere to established protocols,” said a DCA spokesperson. “This included dispensing Schedule H1 medications without proper prescriptions, selling drugs without qualified pharmacists present, and failing to maintain the required statutory registers and documentation.”

Inspectors also scrutinized compliance with revised GST slabs and examined purchase and sales records. The DCA stated that many shops were unable to produce adequate documentation for their inventory.

The DCA emphasized that the show-cause notices are the first step in a larger enforcement effort. “Further action will be taken against these erring medical shops in accordance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules,” the spokesperson confirmed. The DCA hopes this action will reinforce responsible pharmacy practices and protect public health in the state.

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