G’bal: In preparation for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, the Drugs Control Department of District Ganderbal has intensified inspections of medical establishments along the Baltal route via Sonamarg to ensure safe and compliant pharmaceutical practices.
Led by Assistant Controller Drugs Ganderbal/Bandipora, Dr. Shibeer Ahmad Bhat, the department conducted an extensive inspection on April 26, during which 20 medical shops were scrutinized. Four of these were sealed on the spot under Section 22(d) of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, due to serious violations. A follow-up inspection on May 1 confirmed that all previously sealed shops had rectified the noted irregularities. However, a medical shop located in Kangan had its license suspended for three days for continued non-compliance. Dr. Bhat issued strict instructions to all chemists regarding the mandatory maintenance of proper dress code, display of license and contact details on signboards, and availability of emergency drugs. The inspection also extended to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) Sonamarg, where six drug samples were lifted from the facility’s store for quality analysis. Officials from the Drugs Control Department reiterated their commitment to ensuring public health safety and maintaining pharmaceutical standards during the pilgrimage season, noting that such preventive measures are crucial for safeguarding both pilgrims and the local population.
