Medical Store Sealed in Bijbehara for Dispensing Expired Injectables, Three Others Shut for Violations

Bijbehara : A joint team of Drug Control Officers from District Anantnag and police authorities sealed Abdullah Medical Store in Bijbehara after it was found dispensing expired injectable medicine to a patient, officials said on Thursday.

Acting on a complaint, the team conducted a surprise inspection of the store. After reviewing CCTV footage and records, it was found that the licensee had violated prescription norms and licence conditions, including improper handling of addictive medicines. The store was immediately shut pending further investigation.

Officials said that they lifted over 12 drug samples for testing and quality verification. Additionally, records of several habit-forming drugs dispensed without proper prescriptions were seized for legal scrutiny.

The inspection drive extended to more than 15 medical establishments in and around SDH Bijbehara, including its internal dispensing section and drug store. Operations of three other medical stores—Shafeeq Medical Store, Javeed Medical Store, and Zeerak Medical Store—were also suspended for failing to maintain computerized records as mandated by law.

The inspection team also advised the Medical Superintendent of SDH Bijbehara to ensure that healthcare professionals adhere strictly to prescription guidelines and maintain hygienic conditions in the dispensary section, prioritizing patient safety. [KNT]