HYDERABAD, DECEMBER 18, 2025: In order to sensitise medical shop owners regarding the mandatory sale of prescription medicines, including Schedule H, Schedule H1 and Schedule X drugs, the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana, conducted meetings with representatives of various Medical Shops Associations. The meetings were conducted by the Joint Director and Deputy Directors of the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana.
The primary objective of these meetings was to sensitize Retailers, Wholesalers, and Carrying & Forwarding (C&F) Agents about the strict legal provisions, enforcement measures, and penal provisions applicable for the indiscriminate and illegal sale of prescription medicines, particularly habit-forming drugs.
During the meeting, officials of the Drugs Control Administration emphasized the critical responsibility of pharmacies in ensuring lawful dispensing of medicines. The meeting highlighted the serious legal consequences of violations under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules made thereunder, and underscored the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in safeguarding public health.
The DCA reaffirmed its commitment to rigorous enforcement, continuous monitoring, and strict regulatory oversight to prevent the misuse, diversion, and abuse of habit-forming and other prescription medicines, and to promote responsible dispensing practices across all medical retail establishments in the State.
In this regard, the Drugs Control Administration, Telangana has issued an Advisory to all stakeholders on 18th December, 2025, reiterating that Schedule H, Schedule H1 and Schedule X drugs shall mandatorily be sold only against a valid prescription issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Any illegal sale, diversion, or distribution of such prescription medicines for non-therapeutic or abusive purposes constitutes a serious violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules thereunder, and shall be dealt with strictly. The Drugs Control Administration, Telangana shall initiate stringent action against violators, including cancellation of drug licences and prosecution under the relevant provisions of the Act.
All medical shops are therefore advised to exercise utmost vigilance while dispensing prescription medicines and to maintain proper prescription records as mandatorily required under the Rules.
Strict compliance by all stakeholders is mandatorily required to ensure that prescription medicines are not diverted for misuse and that public health and safety are effectively safeguarded.
