VIJAYAWADA: The sleuths of Vigilance and Enforcement department (V & E), along with officials of Drugs Control Administration (DCA) made surprise checks on 22 medical shops in the city on Thursday. They served show-cause notices to 11 shops and initiated criminal proceedings against four others, for failing to comply with rules.
A team of officials, led by DSP R Vijay Paul of V & E department and drug inspectors Babu Naik, Sambasiva Rao and Bhanu, conducted simultaneous inspections in various shops on Eluru Road, Nakkal Road and Poranki. The officials found that 11 shops had no qualified pharmacists working for those and four shops were selling ‘expired’ drugs. These are violation of rules under Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Some of the pharmacists were also not maintaining proper sales ledger book.
“Show-cause notices were served on all the shops that failed to follow rules and explanations, to be given within three days, were sought from them. After receiving their replies, action will be taken as per the law,” Vijay Paul said. Criminal cases would be initiated against the owners of four shops, selling expired medicines, he said. Vigilance SP M Ravindranath also took part in the raids.