Bhind: Cough Syrup Sales Under Scrutiny Amid Fears of Abuse for Intoxication

Drug Inspectors Raid Medical Stores in Mehgaon

In compliance with directives from the Food and Drug Administration, Bhopal, Collector Bhind Kirolilal Meena, and Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. JS Yadav, drug inspectors conducted surprise inspections of medical stores in the Mehgaon tehsil of Bhind district. The objective was to curb the potential misuse of cough syrups containing codeine, a component known for its intoxicating properties.

Drug Inspector Dr. Akanksha Garud led the raids on various medical shops across the tehsil on Thursday. Stores inspected included Mukesh Medical Store, Mahakal Medical Store, Rathore Medical Store, Prem Medical Store, Jadoun Medical Store, and Ravi Medical Store.

Operators Flee as Shops are Shut Down

Upon receiving intelligence about the impending inspection, many medical store operators reportedly shut down their establishments and fled the scene. In the case of Chowdhary Medical Store, Anil Medical Store, Pawan Medical Store, and Bajrang Medical Store, their operators were found absent, and further action will be proposed against them according to regulations.

Drug Samples Sent for Testing

During the inspection, four drug samples were collected to ensure the quality of the medicines. These samples will be dispatched to the drug laboratory in Bhopal for further examination and testing. This initiative aims to verify that all drugs sold in the market adhere to established standards and pose no risk to public health.

Guidelines Issued on Irregularities, Strict Action Promised

During the inspection, Drug Inspector Dr. Garud provided crucial guidelines to various medical store operators regarding compliance with regulations. These included:

• Proper display of licenses.
• Availability of a qualified pharmacist on duty.
• Maintaining cleanliness within the premises.
• Proper management of expired medicines.
• Maintenance of stock registers.
• Segregation of medicines intended for veterinary use.
• Correct storage of medicines requiring refrigeration.
• Prohibition of selling scheduled drugs without a prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
• Adherence to regulations for the maintenance of purchase and sale records of medicines.

Dr. Garud emphasized that operators found disregarding these rules would face stringent legal action, and they would be held personally accountable. The primary aim of this crackdown is to prevent drug abuse and ensure the availability of quality medicines to the general public.