No Prescription, No Sale: Drug Controller Warns Pharmacies on Schedule H, H1, X Drugs

New Delhi: Drug Controller Lakshmikanth Reddy G, also serving as chairman of the Narco Committee, has issued a stern warning to pharmacies against the illegal sale of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs without valid prescriptions, emphasizing that such violations will invite strict legal consequences under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

According to a recent media report in The Times of India, as part of intensified enforcement efforts, the Drug Controller carried out an unannounced inspection at a pharmacy located on New Sayyaji Rao Road. During the raid, he scrutinized invoices and prescriptions associated with the sale of controlled medicines categorized under these schedules.

While interacting with officials and pharmacy personnel, Reddy raised serious concerns about the growing misuse of such medications, especially among young individuals who obtain them without proper medical supervision. He also instructed all medical stores to clearly display notices stating that a doctor’s prescription is mandatory for purchasing Schedule H, H1, and X drugs.

Authorities highlighted that nearly 50 drugs—including Alprazolam, Codeine, and Tapentadol—fall under these restricted categories. Pharmacies are mandated to maintain comprehensive records of inventory, sales, prescriptions, and billing, which must be made available during official inspections.

SP Mallikarjun Baladandi told TOI that due to the high number of pharmacies in the district, it is difficult for drug control authorities alone to ensure compliance. He added that the police department will step up monitoring and conduct more frequent inspections to prevent violations.

The inspection team included Police Commissioner Seema Latkar, Assistant Drug Controllers Asha Latha and Wasim Sharif, along with other officials.