The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) carried out surprise inspections at eight medical stores in Ahmedabad for allegedly selling cough syrups without a doctor’s prescription.
All eight outlets have been issued show-cause notices and asked to submit immediate explanations. The action is part of the FDCA’s statewide crackdown to ensure safe, quality medicines for citizens.
The inspections covered stores in Ghatlodia, Satellite, Vejalpur and Prahladnagar, including Apollo Pharmacy (Ghatlodia), Krishna Medical, Solcure Pharmacy, Namnidhi Pharma, Nam: Wellness, Natraj Medical, Apollo Pharmacy (Vejalpur) and Apollo Pharmacy (Prahladnagar).
During the checks, five outlets were found selling cough syrup without a registered pharmacist present. At two other stores, pharmacists were on duty but still sold the syrup without a valid prescription. One shop was found closed during the visit.
The FDCA has directed all establishments to submit detailed clarifications, after which strict action will be taken based on their responses.
Officials said the department routinely tests drug samples, acts against adulterated or fake medicines, and monitors medical stores across Gujarat. Violations — such as absence of registered pharmacists, sale of expired or spurious drugs, illegal sale of cough syrups or unauthorised MTP kits — are dealt with strictly under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
The FDCA plays a key role in safeguarding public health by regulating the manufacturing and sale of medicines, food products and cosmetics, and ensuring compliance with safety standards statewide.