GUWAHATI: The Drug Control Department has intensified its enforcement drive against irregularities in medicine shops across Guwahati, sealing multiple pharmacies in separate inspections conducted at Hatigaon's Sijubari area on August 5 and the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) premises on August 4.
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Acting on complaints regarding the functioning of pharmacies, officials carried out a surprise inspection in the Sijubari area of Hatigaon. During the operation, several medicine shops were found allegedly operating without valid licences, while some were functioning without the mandatory presence of qualified pharmacists.
The inspection team also flagged concerns over medicines being stored and sold under unhygienic conditions and collected information related to the suspected sale of counterfeit drugs.
As part of the enforcement action, the department sealed two pharmacies, including Anand Medico's, while another shop was shut down for operating without a valid licence.
In a separate operation, a joint team of drug inspectors conducted raids at pharmacies located within the GMCH campus. During the inspection, the team collected medicine samples from several outlets for quality testing.
Officials also shut down 4B International, alleging that the pharmacy had continued operating despite its license having already been cancelled, in violation of existing regulations.
Speaking to the media, officials said the inspections were aimed at ensuring pharmacies comply with licensing norms, employ qualified pharmacists, and provide safe and genuine medicines to the public. The department added that similar inspection drives will continue across other parts of the city to curb illegal medicine trade and safeguard public health.