4 Pharma Firms Lose Licenses Over Pregabalin, Tapentadol Misuse
Jammu: Cracking down on the illegal sale of habit-forming pharmaceutical drugs, the Jammu and Kashmir Drugs Control Department has cancelled the licenses of four pharmaceutical firms for their alleged involvement in "clandestine purchase and sale" of addictive medicines, a government official said on Saturday.
According to an official spokesperson, State Drugs Controller-cum-Licensing Authority Lotika Khajuria ordered stringent enforcement action against the following wholesale firms: Healthways Pharma, Rajouri; Nuegene Pharmaceutical Distributors; N T Traders, Baramulla and Essence Pharmaceutical Distributors, Srinagar.
The action followed detailed inspections conducted at the premises of these firms, the spokesperson told PTI.
During these inspections, the authorities discovered that the establishments were allegedly engaged in the “clandestine purchase and sale of habit-forming pharmaceutical preparations, mainly Tapentadol and Pregabalin”. These drugs were being procured from neighboring states without adherence to mandatory regulatory requirements such as maintaining proper sale and purchase records, the official added.
The spokesperson noted that the move demonstrates the department’s commitment to ensuring public health and curbing pharmaceutical misuse. “The action against the firms reflects the department’s commitment to public health and safety and its firm resolve to prevent drug misuse, especially among vulnerable populations,” the official said.
He further warned that “any act that contributes to drug misuse or circumvents the law will be met with the strongest possible action.”
Citizens have been urged to remain vigilant and report any unethical practices involving the sale or misuse of prescription drugs to the department's dedicated helpline.
