D&FCO conducts spl drive in Valley, suspends 47 drug licenses

SRINAGAR, MAY 30 – Under the instructions of Minister for Health & Medical Education, Bali Bhagat, the Drugs & Food Control Organization (D&FCO) has undertaken a special drive against the sale of sub-standard and habit forming drugs in Kashmir valley from 22^nd of May.

In the first face of drive i.e. up to 26^th May, the authorities conducted as many as 334 inspections of chemist outlets across the Valley and issued show cause notices to 74 traders under relevant provisions of law. During the course of drive, the authorities also suspended 47 licenses of traders found indulging in unhealthy trade practices.

The drive was launched under the overall supervision of Controller, Drugs & Food Control Organization, Ms. Lotika Khajuria. The Deputy Drugs Controller, Kashmir constituted six teams, each headed by Assistant Drugs Controller and carried out systematic inspections of chemist outlets with special focus on vulnerable areas. During the course of inspection, the officials also sensitized the traders to strictly adhere to the conditions laid down in the drug license provisions and cooperate with the authorities in regulating the sale of genuine drugs in the market. The authorities also cautioned the traders to desist from the unfair practices, and anybody found violating the conditions of the licenses shall be dealt sternly.