Surprise checks conducted on medical shops for sale of NRx drugs

The Drugs Control Administration, under the Visakhapatnam Deputy Director’s supervision, carried out joint surprise inspections at medical shops across the region on Thursday to check the sale and possible misuse of NRx (habit-forming and narcotic) drugs.

Seven drug inspectors from Srikakulam, Vizianagaram, Parvathipuram, Anakapalli and Visakhapatnam districts jointly inspected 32 medical shops in Maharanipeta, Dondaparthy, Railway New Colony, Arilova, Kommadi, Madhurawada, Adarsh Nagar, Gajuwaka, Kurmannapalem and Sriharipuram. Officials examined purchase and sale records of NRx drugs along with compliance with relevant statutes.

No violations relating to narcotic drugs were detected during the exercise. However, medical shop owners and pharmacists were cautioned to sell NRx drugs only in a rational and responsible manner, maintain accurate records, and strictly adhere to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and rules.

Deputy Director Rajitha said such joint surprise inspections would continue periodically to prevent misuse and diversion of NRx drugs, and urged pharmacists to exercise due diligence.