More than half found allegedly prescribing restricted drugs illegally
Shimla: Amid the ongoing campaign against drug abuse in Himachal Pradesh, the role of private clinics, unauthorised healthcare providers and quacks has come under the scanner, with inspections of more than 300 establishments across the state uncovering serious violations related to the prescription and supply of controlled drugs.
According to a report prepared by the State Police’s Special Task Force (STF), more than half of the clinics inspected were allegedly found prescribing restricted and intoxicating medicines to youths under the guise of medical treatment. Several chemists have also come under suspicion for their alleged role in facilitating the supply of such drugs.
The findings have raised concerns over the possible diversion of controlled medicines into the illicit drug market. Police suspect that some private clinics may be operating in collusion with drug traffickers, procuring medicines ostensibly for genuine medical purposes but subsequently diverting them for recreational use.
Joint teams inspect 300-plus establishments
Joint teams comprising the STF, district police and officials from the Health and Drug Control departments carried out inspections of more than 300 suspicious clinics and healthcare establishments across Himachal Pradesh.
During the inspections, authorities examined medical licences, registration details of practitioners and drug storage facilities. Purchase and sale records, along with outpatient department (OPD) registers, were also scrutinised to identify discrepancies in the procurement and distribution of medicines.
The investigation has particularly focused on medicines containing Tramadol, Alprazolam, Buprenorphine and Codeine, all of which can be subject to strict regulatory controls because of their potential for misuse.
Investigators are examining allegations that some establishments procured stocks of such medicines using fabricated or manipulated OPD records. Distribution of medicines without valid authorisation and discrepancies in official records are also being investigated.
Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur record highest number of cases
The highest number of suspected violations have reportedly been detected in Kangra, Solan and Sirmaur districts. District police have initiated detailed investigations into the establishments identified during the inspections.
Authorities are also examining whether controlled drugs were being supplied in quantities exceeding prescribed limits and whether medicines obtained through legitimate channels were ultimately diverted into the illicit drug network.
Investigation expands beyond drug traffickers; De-addiction centres also under scrutiny
The STF has now widened the scope of its investigation beyond conventional drug trafficking networks to identify those allegedly facilitating the availability of narcotic and intoxicating substances.
Investigators are tracing the supply chain from the procurement of medicines to their alleged illegal distribution, while examining possible links among smugglers, private clinics, chemists and other participants in the supply network.
If evidence of collusion or deliberate diversion of controlled medicines is established, criminal action will be initiated against those responsible, officials said.
As part of the wider crackdown, de-addiction and rehabilitation centres are also being scrutinised to ensure compliance with prescribed regulations and to prevent the misuse or diversion of controlled medicines.
Authorities, however, have clarified that the action should not be construed as an allegation against all private clinics or healthcare providers. The inspections are aimed at identifying regulatory violations, unauthorised medical practices and possible misuse of controlled substances.
