Gujarat's Food and Drug Control Administration has launched a three-day inspection drive across Ahmedabad and other parts of the state, acting on information about the suspected sale of counterfeit or duplicate Nicardia Retard 10 tablets. The operation, which began on August 19, has so far covered more than 30 medical stores and pharmaceutical firms, with officials seizing 1,250 tablets of the suspected medicine.
According to officials, the department received information that counterfeit or duplicate NICARDIA RETARD 10 tablets, bearing batch number ACG25007 and the name of J.B. Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. in Bharuch, could be being sold at Leelavati Pharmacy & Wellness Pvt. Ltd. in the Satellite area of Ahmedabad.
During the inspections, officials found 660 tablets of the same medicine at Kishan Medical Store in Nadiad, seizing them as prescribed samples and sending them for testing. Another 590 tablets were seized from Parshva Medical Agency in the Paldi area of Ahmedabad. The stock was reportedly supplied through Apex Pharma Agency in Bhavnagar to Rotary Timbi Medical Stores in Timbi.
Authorities also collected samples of other suspected medicines, including different batches of Nicardia Retard 20, Cilacar 5, Cilacar 10, Cilakar TM 50, and Nicardia Retard 10, and restricted the related stocks from sale. The total value of the suspicious medicine stock restricted during the inspections is estimated at around Rs 1.70 lakh.
The preliminary investigation has identified a suspected distribution chain beginning with Sena Pharmas in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, followed by Parth Medical Agency in the Paldi area, Paras Ecomed in Satellite, Sanand Medical Store in Sanand, and Leelavati Pharmacy & Wellness Pvt. Ltd. in Satellite. Officials said the inquiry would be extended to the manufacturer, and police action could be initiated against those found to be involved, if required.
The inspections were carried out following directions from state Health Minister Praful Pansheriya and under the supervision of the Food and Drug Control Commissioner. The drive is part of efforts to prevent the circulation and sale of illegal, counterfeit, and duplicate medicines and to ensure the availability of safe and quality medicines to citizens, officials said.