Belagavi: The Health and Family Welfare department has withdrawn licenses of 292 pharmacies for violating norms, illegal sale of narcotics drugs and some even operating without licenses in the year 2023-24.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao on Monday told the Legislative Council that during the inspection conducted by department officials, licenses of a total of 1,245 pharmacies were suspended for illegal practices. Of these, licenses of 292 establishments were withdrawn.
According to the information given by the minister, there are over 37,130 private pharmacies in the state. “We have filed prosecution against 20 firms and convictions have been announced for 6,” Dinesh added.
“During the inspection, the department officials initiated action against 89 pharmacies for illegal sale of narcotic drugs during 2022-23 and 2023-24,” the minister stated.
As per the details, the inspection was conducted on 699 pharmacies for illegal sale of narcotics drugs and licenses of 89 were suspended, while 23 cases have been filed against them.
‘Funds for medicines’
Responding to the issue raised by opposition members over shortage of medicines at government hospitals, the minister said the hospitals had funds to procure necessary medicines. “We have also decided to call for tender through KSMSCL once in 2 years to ensure there is no shortage of medicines,” he added.