District achieves 100% CCTV surveillance, billing system in medical establishments
DH NEWS SERVICE
SHOPIAN, May 7
Drugs and Food Control Organization (D&FCO) Shopian has reported significant achievements in strengthening regulatory enforcement and ensuring the availability of safe, effective, and quality medicines across the district during the financial year 2025–26.
Acting under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the department carried out 1,041 inspections across various pharmaceutical establishments during the year 2025–26 to monitor compliance and curb irregularities. These inspections were aimed at safeguarding public health and ensuring that medicines available in the market meet prescribed quality standards.
As part of its quality surveillance efforts, the department lifted 174 drug samples from sale counters across the district for laboratory analysis. Out of these, four samples were declared “Not of Standard Quality,” reflecting the strict monitoring and accountability mechanisms in place.
In enforcement actions against violations, drugs worth Rs 1,60,806 were seized for breaches of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. The department also took stringent administrative action, resulting in the cancellation of eight licences under various provisions of the Act and suspension of 41 licences due to non-maintenance of mandatory records and other violations, particularly involving prescription drugs with addiction liability.
Additionally, one licence was cancelled for stocking unjustified quantities of prescription drugs with addiction liability and conducting sales without proper documentation.
The department also pursued legal action against violators under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and rules framed thereunder. At present, 18 court cases are pending before different courts across the district. During the financial year 2025–26, one case related to non-maintenance of records of scheduled formulations was decided with conviction by the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court.
Demonstrating a strong push towards transparency and modernization, the district has successfully achieved 100% CCTV surveillance coverage in medical establishments along with complete implementation of computerized billing systems, significantly enhancing monitoring, traceability, and accountability in the sale of scheduled formulations.
These achievements reflect the department’s sustained commitment towards safeguarding public health, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing misuse of prescription drugs across the district.
