"Four Medical Shops Sealed, One License Suspended"

Hadi Hidayat

Ganderbal: In a bid to ensure safe medical practices ahead of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, the Drugs Control Department of District Ganderbal launched a comprehensive inspection drive of medical shops situated along the Baltal route via Sonamarg.

The drive, conducted on April 26, 2025, was led by Assistant Controller Drugs Ganderbal/Bandipora, Dr. Shibeer Ahmad Bhat. A total of 20 medical shops were inspected during the operation. Among these, four establishments were found in violation of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and were immediately sealed under Section 22(d) of the Act.

To ensure continued compliance, a follow-up inspection was carried out on May 1, during which it was found that all previously sealed shops had adhered to the instructions issued. However, one shop in Kangan had its license suspended for a period of three days due to non-compliance.

Dr. Shibeer Ahmad Bhat issued on-spot directives for strict adherence to pharmaceutical norms. Chemists were instructed to maintain proper dress code, ensure the availability of emergency drugs, and prominently display license numbers and contact information on visible signboards.

In addition to the private pharmacies, an inspection was also conducted at the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sonamarg, where six drug samples were lifted from the hospital’s drug store for quality testing and analysis.

The Drugs Control Department reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and regulatory oversight during the yatra period, emphasizing that such proactive measures are vital for the health and wellbeing of both pilgrims and local residents.