Agartala, February 11, 2025: In a major crackdown on pharmacies violating regulatory norms, the Drugs Control Administration of Tripura has taken strict action against 372 pharmacies across the state, canceling the licenses of 154 for selling contraband items and other violations in 2024.
Speaking at a one-day training program on “Sampling of Drugs, Investigation Techniques & Launching of Prosecution” in Agartala, Deputy Drugs Controller Kanchan Singh shared insights into the administration’s enforcement drive. She revealed that last year, the department conducted a record 3,589 drug sample tests—far exceeding the target of 1,200. Of these, 21 samples were found to be substandard.
“In 2024, our inspectors carried out 3,203 inspections, covering both private pharmacies and government hospital stores. We took action against 372 shops for violations, and 154 licenses were revoked due to the sale of contraband and other serious breaches,” Singh stated.
She raised concerns about the increasing cases of unwanted pregnancies among college students and minors, stressing that many seek out chemists to procure anti-abortion drugs such as Mifepristone and Misoprostol. “Social stigma and fear push young girls to unregulated sources, which can have severe consequences. Since these drugs fall under the Schedule H category, we have intensified our monitoring efforts,” she said.
Singh also highlighted the administration’s focus on combating antimicrobial resistance and curbing the sale of restricted substances like codeine-based cough syrups and syringes. “Our inspectors conduct regular raids to ensure compliance. Many pharmacy owners have expressed dissatisfaction with these measures, but public health remains our top priority,” she added.
To reinforce awareness, the administration has mandated that medical shops display warning stickers prohibiting the sale of antibiotics without prescriptions. “Our intensified operations have already shown a declining trend in the availability of restricted substances,” Singh concluded.
