SRINAGAR: In a significant move to ensure the public safety and curb the misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, the government of Jammu & Kashmir has launched a special enforcement drive across Jammu and Kashmir, targeting the pharmacies and drug outlets for compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

During the drive, the officers of Drug & Food Control Organization (DFCO) carried out surprise inspections at various locations across the districts of Jammu & Kashmir. The objective of the initiative is to identify the pharmacies operating in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and to strengthen the mechanisms preventing the unauthorized sale of psychotropic substances and prescription drugs.

Pertinently, the inspection teams cancelled the Drugs Sale Licenses of eight pharmacies for non-maintenance of sale records of habit forming drugs and not adopting the computerized system of billing for maintenance of sales records.  These included M/s Aatir Enterprises Ganjiwara Anantnag, M/s Al-Mehdi Medicate, M/s Shehjar Pharmacy Budgam,  M/s Medicity Pharmacy, Chadoora,, M/s New Bhat Medicate Chadoora,  M/s Dar Medicate Qazipora, Chadoora, Budgam, M/S Pharma Plus  Medicare Near Zara Diagnostic  Lab  Kheora Rajouri and M/s Happy Saini Medical Hall, Haria Chak, Marheen.

Besides, the operations of seventy five retail sale establishments were disallowed on the spot under section 22 (d) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 on spot for non maintenance of sale records, impersonation and improper storage conditions. These included 9 each in Jammu, Rajouri and Anantnag; 6 each in Kupwara and Budgam districts;  5 each in Udhampur and Kulgam; 4 in Pulwama, 3 each  in Kathua, Samba , Ramban, Doda, Baramulla and Shopian districts; 2 in Poonch district, 1 each in Kathua, Ramban, Reasi, Kishtwar, Srinagar and Ganderbal.

Likewise, the statutory drug samples of more than 500 formulations of various categories were lifted randomly for determination of strength and purity. These samples were referred to the Drug Testing Laboratories located within J&K for framing of legal opinion to ascertain their quality parameters. Besides, stocks of drugs worth Rs 8,40,348, found to be contravening the provisions of the D&C Act, have also been confiscated from the supply chain by the Regulatory Officers of the organization under section 23 of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. Lotika Khajuria, State Drugs Controller, J&K has once again impressed upon the trade fraternity to follow the conditions of licenses in letter and spirit.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡