Mumbai: In a major crackdown aimed at safeguarding public health, the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seized an allopathic medicine stock worth over Rs 9.09 lakh from a paediatric hospital in Govandi, Mumbai. The hospital was found illegally retailing medicines without a valid drug license through an unqualified receptionist.
Acting on a special enforcement drive, FDA officials inspected the hospital located at Shivajinagar, Govandi East, on Thursday. During the inspection, officials allegedly discovered that the hospital’s director had stocked massive quantities of allopathic medicines across two separate rooms.
According to FDA, these prescription drugs were being sold directly to patients via a receptionist who had only cleared Class 12. Officials said the individual lacked any statutory or technical qualifications required for dispensing pharmaceuticals under the Pharmacy Act.
FDA officials also seized the hospital’s sales bill book
Furthermore, the FDA seized the hospital’s sales bill book and alleged that several statutory details were missing from the bills issued to patients. According to the agency, the bills contained only the patient’s name, date, medicine name and amount charged.
The FDA alleged that the records did not include details such as batch numbers, manufacturing dates, expiry dates, and manufacturers’ names, which are required under applicable regulations.
Officials seized the medicine stock, valued at Rs 9,09,215.28. Officials said legal proceedings are being initiated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Speaking on the action, FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said, “The Food and Drug Administration will not tolerate any compromise regarding patient health. Strict action will be taken against those selling medicines without a valid license, distributing drugs through unqualified personnel, or violating statutory provisions. Citizens must purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and ensure they obtain a proper bill containing all statutory details during every purchase.”
