Dimapur, February 1 (MExN): The Department of Health & Family Welfare has cancelled the drug licenses of 24 retail pharmacies in Dimapur and Chumoukidima for failing to employ registered pharmacists, as mandated under Rule 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The cancellations follow multiple notices issued by the Drugs Control Administration, which were not complied with despite sufficient time given for rectification.
In a notice, the department warned that supplying medicines to these pharmacies would now be considered a violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, warranting strict legal action against suppliers and wholesalers found in non-compliance.
According to the notice, this enforcement measure is being carried out in phases to ensure compliance across all districts in the state and to safeguard public health.
Additionally, the department has cautioned all licensed pharmacies that failure to renew their drug licenses within six months after expiry will result in automatic cancellation, as per Rule 63 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Violations of Section 18(C) of the Act could lead to imprisonment ranging from three to five years and a fine of no less than Rs 1 lakh or three times the value of confiscated drugs.
In light of this enforcement drive, all retailers and wholesalers have been directed to register under the Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) portal without delay.
The State Drugs Control Administration has acknowledged the cooperation of the district administrations of Dimapur and Chümoukedima, as well as the Commissioner of Police, for deploying staff and law enforcement personnel to assist in the enforcement activities.
Pharmacies whose licenses have been revoked
R.S. Pharma (Lengrijan, Dimapur)
Life Guard Medical (Lengrijan, Dimapur)
Rita Medical (Rangapahar, Dimapur)
Vito Medical Hall (Signal Bazar, Dimapur)
New Sky Medical (Signal Bazar, Dimapur)
Shifa Medical (Super Market, Dimapur)
Naz Medical (Super Market, Dimapur)
Aristo Medical (Burma Camp, Dimapur)
Nioti Medical (Burma Camp, Dimapur)
Jonoprioy Medical (Burma Camp, Dimapur)
Royal Medicos (Zeliangrong Village, Dimapur)
Tanushree Medical (Zeliangrong Village, Dimapur)
Saswata Medical (Kuda Village C, Dimapur)
Nirmala Medical (Burma Camp, Dimapur)
N.H. Pharmacy (Burma Camp, Dimapur)
Medi Point (Super Market, Dimapur)
Sujata Medical Store (Notun Bosti, Dimapur)
M.N. Medical (Purana Bazar, Dimapur)
Bethesda Medical (Zeliangrong Village, Dimapur)
Maa Pharmacy (Chumoukedima A Village)
Paul Pharmacy (1st Gate, Chumoukedima)
Town Pharmacy (Chumoukedima Town)
Sarkar Medical (Ward 10, Chumoukedima)
Ura Pharmacy (Tenyiphe, Chumoukedima)
