Gurgaon: Five medical stores in Faridabad were found operating without registered pharmacists, raising concerns over compliance with drug sale regulations. An inspection team, however, did not detect any illegal sale of medicines with narcotic or habit-forming potential during the drive on Oct 17. A show-cause notice to these stores will follow soon.The joint team — food and drug administration (FDA) and crime investigation agency — inspected eight medical stores across Sector 37 HUDA Market, Tilpat Road, Sarai Khwaja and Ashoka Enclave as part of a special campaign to prevent the misuse of medicines. The absence of registered pharmacists at five establishments emerged as a key violation during the exercise.Inspection reports also recorded violations of Rule 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The competent licensing authority will issue show-cause notices to the concerned retailers under Rule 66. Further action, including suspension of drug sale licences, will depend on the inspection findings, the establishments’ responses and the applicable legal provisions.The inspections focused on checking whether such medicines were being sold against valid medical prescriptions and if chemists were maintaining the mandatory records of drug purchases and sales.The operation was led by Faridabad drug control officer Sandeep Gehlan, along with personnel from CIA, Badarpur border. The drive was conducted under the directions of Haryana food and drug administration commissioner Dr Manoj Kumar and state drug controller Ripan Mehta.FDA has directed all medicine retailers to comply with Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the rules framed under it. Retailers must ensure that medicines are sold in accordance with legal requirements, registered pharmacists are present wherever required, and purchase and sale records are properly maintained.The department said inspection drives would continue to curb the illegal trade in narcotic and habit-forming medicines and protect public health. Violations will invite action in accordance with the law.
