Ahmedabad: The Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has issued show-cause notices to eight medical stores in Ahmedabad after a surprise inspection found that several outlets were selling cough syrup without a doctor’s prescription and, in some cases, without the presence of a registered pharmacist.

According to officials, the inspections were carried out at Apollo Pharmacy and Krishna Medical in Ghatlodia, Solcure Pharmacy in Satellite, Namnidhi Pharma, Namah Wellness, Nataraj Medical Stores, and two Apollo Pharmacy outlets in Vejalpur and Prahladnagar.

During the operation, five of the eight medical stores were found selling cough syrup in the absence of a registered pharmacist. Of the remaining three, two were selling the syrup even though a pharmacist was present, while one outlet was found closed during the inspection. All eight stores have been asked to submit immediate explanations after receiving show-cause notices. The FDCA stated that strict action would follow based on their responses.

Officials said the authority is intensifying its vigilance to ensure that citizens receive pure and quality medicines. Routine inspections are conducted across the state, and action is taken under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, in cases involving the absence of registered pharmacists, sale of expired or duplicate medicines, illegal sale of cough syrup, MTP kits and other violations. DeshGujarat