Inspection of Pharmacies in Aizawl City

Aizawl, Aug 2025 : Following the order issued by Aizawl District Magistrate Er. Lalhriatpuia, IAS, directing that all pharmacies (medicine shops) must install CCTV cameras to ensure that children below 18 years and students in school uniforms are not able to buy medicines intended for drug misuse, a joint inspection was carried out today.

The inspection was led by Executive Magistrate Pu John Lalramhluna Hnamte, accompanied by the Drugs Inspector from FDA (Health & Family Welfare Department) and the Police Department.

During this inspection, 64 pharmacies across Aizawl city were checked. The majority of pharmacies were found to be complying with the District Magistrate’s order. However, 7 pharmacies had still not installed CCTV cameras, and further necessary action will be taken against them.

Among the pharmacies inspected, 31 were found not maintaining the required Schedule H1 Register for recording the sale of controlled medicines like cough syrups prone to misuse and critical antibiotics.

It was also observed that only 17 pharmacies had a licensed pharmacist physically present, while in the remaining shops, medicines were being dispensed without the supervision of a registered pharmacist.

As per the Pharmacy Act, 1948 and the Drugs Rules, 1945, every pharmacy must have a qualified pharmacist present, who alone is authorized to dispense medicines to patients. The pharmacist is also responsible for providing proper counselling on how to take the medicines safely and informing patients about potential risks.

Additionally, pharmacies are required to sell restricted medicines strictly with proper documentation, maintain cash memo copies, and keep accurate registers for record purposes.

The authorities have emphasized that regular inspections will continue to ensure strict compliance with these regulations.