SRINAGAR, FEB 17, KDC: The State Drugs Controller, Jammu & Kashmir, has strongly refuted a recent news article claiming that 60,000 retail pharmacies and wholesalers are operating in the Union Territory, with only 20,000 registered with the Drugs & Food Control Organization.
The department termed the report as “false, baseless, and totally incorrect,” asserting that all medical establishments in J&K are operating under valid licenses as per the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940.
“As of January 2025, the department has registered 16,366 pharmacies and 6,031 wholesale establishments across the Union Territory. Rigorous monitoring and frequent inspections are being conducted in both urban and rural areas to ensure compliance with drug regulations,” the department said in state to Kashmir Dot Com, adding “Special drives, involving Drugs Control Officers, police, revenue, and health departments, are also being carried out in remote areas to enforce directives issued by the Narco Coordination Committee (NCORD).”
Lotika Khajuria, State Drugs Controller, J&K, reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining a strict regulatory environment to ensure the availability of safe, effective, and quality medicinal products.
She urged the public to report any concerns about illegal pharmacies or counterfeit medicines to the Local Drug Control Authorities or via email at [email protected] or phone at 0191-2538527.
The department assured that prompt action will be taken against any violations to safeguard public health and maintain the integrity of the drug supply chain in J&K. (KDC)
