Srinagar, Feb 22: Drug control authorities closed five medical shops during a comprehensive two-day inspection across Baramulla and Kupwara districts in north Kashmir.
Assistant Drug Controller, Reema Gazala, informed Rising Kashmir that following the government’s directives, surprise inspections were carried out across various localities, which resulted in the closure of five establishments due to license violations, particularly the non-maintenance of records for scheduled drugs.
During the inspections, chemists were instructed to ensure the complete installation of CCTV cameras, transition to digitalised billing, and maintain accurate records of scheduled drugs, Gazala said.
She said the primary objective was to ensure stringent dispensation of Schedule H1 drugs, saying prescriptions from registered medical practitioners are necessary. In addition to the closures, six statutory drug samples were collected by the team to evaluate their quality parameters, the officer added.
The Assistant Drug Controller expressed commitment to robust regulatory systems and said that CCTV cameras were found in nearly 95% of the inspected shops. She said the department aims to regulate and monitor pharmaceuticals to prioritise public health and prevent drug misuse.
“Medical shops must embrace digitalised billing systems. This not only ensures transparent transactions but also facilitates the maintenance of precise records,” Gazala said.
