The Department of Health & Family Welfare has informed in a public notice issued on 31st January 2025, that pursuant upon non-compliance of several notices issued and despite giving sufficient time for the employment of Registered Pharmacist in the Licensed pharmacies as required under Rule-65 of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1945, the Drugs Control Administration, Department of Health and Family Welfare has cancelled 24 (twenty four) Drugs License of Retail pharmacies at Dimapur and Chumoukedima districts as given hereunder.

Therefore, in the light of the Drugs licenses being cancelled, supply of medicines to such illegal firms will be considered violation of Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and Rules made thereunder warranting strict appropriate legal actions against such defaulting supplier/ wholesaler.

This exercise is conducted in the interest and safety of public health and thus the department is committed to continue in phase manner until all districts in the State are screened and streamlined.

Further, the department also cautioned all licensed pharmacies that their Drugs license shall be deemed to have been Cancelled/Invalid  if the Drugs license is not renewed/ retained within six months after the expiry of the valid period as required under Rule-63 and thus will amount to violation of Section-18(C) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 punishable under Section-27(b)(ii) with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to five  years and with fine which shall not be less than Rs. One lakh or three times the value of the drugs confiscated. Therefore, it shall be prudent on the part of every licensee to apply for a retention certificate within the time period as provided under the Rules. The department is determined to take strict action if any violation is detected.

            Furthermore, all licensed retailers & wholesalers are directed to get onboarded/ registered into Online National Drugs Licensing System (ONDLS) Portal forthwith.

            The State Drugs Control Administration also acknowledged the unwavering cooperation extended by the district administration of Chumoukedima and Dimapur Districts and also to the Commissioner of Police for deploying administrative staff and police personnel while the enforcement activities are being executed.

(DIPR)