Drug licences of two hospitals cancelled

The drugs wing of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cancelled the retail sale drug licences of corporate medicos inside the Corporate Hospital on Batala Road and Life Kare Medicare inside Life Kare Hospital on Fatehgarh Churrian Road here. The licences were revoked due to the firms’ illegal stocking and sale of psychotropic substance, Tramadol, without valid authorisation.

Stocking tramadol without nod

• A joint inspection by the drugs wing of FDA and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials on May 2 this year had revealed that both firms were stocking Tramadol without permission. Tramadol, a Schedule H-1 drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, is also a psychotropic substance covered under the NDPS Act, 1985.

A joint inspection by the drugs wing of FDA and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officials on May 2 this year had revealed that both firms were stocking Tramadol without permission. Tramadol, a Schedule H-1 drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, is also a psychotropic substance covered under the NDPS Act, 1985.

Given its potential for misuse, the Joint Commissioner (Drugs) had imposed specific restrictions on its stocking and sale in 2019.

The cancellation of licences is a significant step in curbing the misuse of Tramadol in the region. The authorities have emphasised the importance of adhering to regulations and obtaining necessary authorisations for handling psychotropic substances.