Health Department Takes Action Against Pharmacies in Hailakandi District

Show-Cause Notices Issued to Local Pharmacies

Hailakandi, Jan 6: The health department has initiated action by issuing show-cause notices to 18 pharmacies in Hailakandi district for failing to comply with government regulations.

Reports indicate that these pharmacies have not provided necessary data regarding the availability of pharmacists on the designated state government portal, as mandated by the Assam Pharmacy Regulations under the guidance of the drugs controller.

The joint director of health services has sent notices to several pharmacies, including New Matri Medicos, Ramkrishna Medical Hall, Panacea Medicos, Rabindra Medical Hall, Hindustan Medical Store, Chakraborty Medical Store, Drugs Centre, Care Health, Arham Medical Hall, DMM Medical Hall, Bina Medical Hall, Radharaman Medical Hall, Lifecare Medicos, Aryan Medical Store, Bharat Medical Hall, Aman Medical Hall, and MN Pharma Care.

According to Manash Borgohain, the drugs inspector of Hailakandi, these notices are a preliminary measure due to the lack of data uploads. He mentioned that the verification process for these pharmacies is ongoing across the district.

Out of 280 pharmacies in the district, only 208 have completed their online registration. Borgohain noted that while pharmacies are required to submit monthly online reports, many fail to do so.

He also stated that if there are public complaints regarding the quality or expiry of medicines sold, the health department is authorized to collect samples for laboratory testing.

Additionally, there are concerns that many pharmacies in Hailakandi do not provide sale receipts and may sell expired medications.