Suhail Rather
Bandipora, April 29 (KNS): In brazen violation of norms, scores of medical shops are operating illegally across north Kashmir's Bandipora district, raising serious concerns over public health and safety.
Sources said that besides the unchecked mushrooming of unlicensed medical stores, even ayurvedic shops in the district are openly selling allopathic medicines without proper authorization. Many of these shops are being run by individuals who are not qualified to sell medicines.
Alarming reports reveal that a majority of private clinics in the district are not registered under the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994. Doctors engaged in private practice and paramedics conducting ultrasounds at these clinics often lack a diploma or degree in Radiology, mandatory residency training, or even a six-month certification from a recognized institute.
Experts warn that unqualified individuals are endangering the lives of patients by performing diagnostic procedures like ultrasounds, while also exploiting them financially.
Sources further said that several medical shops, particularly in rural and far-flung areas, are being operated without registration or professional oversight. In many instances, even government employees, including teachers and PHE department workers, are running chemist shops during morning and evening hours, acting as self-styled doctors.
As per regulations, a person must hold a diploma in pharmacy and obtain a proper license to operate a medical shop.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelHowever, locals alleged that most rural shops flout these norms with impunity. Even in the town areas, many shops function irregularly without maintaining the mandatory standards.
Officials pointed out that pharmacists are required to maintain a record of medicines sold against prescriptions, and a detailed ledger must be kept for storage and sale, especially of sedative drugs like codeine. However, the absence of proper billing systems has encouraged black marketing and the sale of substitute drugs, particularly exploiting poor and uneducated customers.
Additionally, many medical shops reportedly lack essential infrastructure, such as proper storage facilities, further compromising the quality and safety of the medicines being sold.
Locals acknowledged the growing menace, particularly in remote areas where unlicensed shops have become rampant. They also pointed out that many licensed shop owners have hired unqualified workers to run their businesses, with unauthorized persons often seen prescribing medicines and issuing prescriptions.
Recently, police have also seized sedative drugs in various parts of north Kashmir. While officials have conducted raids, cancelled licenses, and sealed dozens of illegally operating shops, the shortage of enforcement staff in the district continues to hamper regular inspections and checks. (KNS)