In a state-wide crackdown on the rampant misuse of antibiotics, the Drugs Control Administration (DCA) of Telangana has inspected 193 medical shops and issued show-cause notices for violations contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The move is part of a special drive aimed at curbing indiscriminate antibiotic sales across the state.

Key Highlights

Widespread violations identified

• DCA inspections uncovered multiple offenses, including:

  1. Sale of antibiotics without valid prescriptions

  2. Absence of sale bills

  3. Lack of qualified pharmacists

  4. Failure to maintain mandatory Schedule H1 registers

Public advisory on AMR crisis

• The department issued a public warning about the dangers of AMR, citing:

  1. AMR causes 12.7 lakh deaths globally (2019)

  2. India among the countries with highest AMR burden

  3. Misuse of antibiotics allows bacteria to evolve into drug-resistant 'superbugs'

Legal consequences for OTC sales

• DCA reiterated that antibiotics fall under Schedule H and H1 and cannot be sold without a valid prescription.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic sales will invite strict legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Expert insight from Telangana DCA

• Dr. Shahnawaz Quasim, Director General of the DCA, stated:

  1. “OTC sale of antibiotics is a punishable offense. Public awareness and responsible behavior are critical to control AMR.”

  2. Emphasized that antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections like the common cold and must be used only when medically necessary.

Telangana’s DCA has taken a bold step in the fight against antibiotic resistance. As India faces rising AMR cases, enforcing prescription rules and public awareness will play a pivotal role in safeguarding future healthcare outcomes.