Kupwara, May 30: Authorities on Thursday conducted thorough inspections of retail and wholesale pharmaceutical establishments in north Kashmir areas to “enhance regulatory compliance” and “improve healthcare standards”.
Drug Control Officers from district Kupwara and Tehsil Sopore/Rafiabad, supervised by Assistant Drugs Controller Dr Zaffer Ahmad Bhat, conducted thorough inspections of 20 retail and wholesale pharmaceutical establishments in Bramri, Byepass Road Kupwara, and Regipora Kupwara.
This inspection drive, part of an ongoing initiative to ensure the complete installation of CCTV cameras and the implementation of a Computer Billing System, resulted in the issuance of five notices for various violations. Additionally, the operations of five firms—three retail and two wholesale—were disallowed on the spot due to non-compliance with regulatory standards.
The inspection team also scrutinised the pharmacy shops located within four prominent private hospitals in District Kupwara: Quality Health Care, Ess Bee Hospital, Kupwara Institute of Medical Sciences, and Sunrise Hospital. These inspections aimed to ensure adherence to the latest guidelines, including the management of Blood Storage Facilities and the supply of Medical Oxygen and other gases.
Dr Zaffer said the inspections are crucial to safeguard public health and ensure that pharmaceutical establishments adhere to the highest standards of operation. “Our objective is to ensure that all pharmacies and medical facilities comply with the regulatory requirements to provide safe and reliable healthcare services to the community,” he said.
“The department’s rigorous efforts underscore the commitment to maintaining stringent oversight of pharmaceutical practices in the region, thereby ensuring the safety and well-being of the public,” the officer added.
