Hyderabad Hospital Caught Selling Medicines at Inflated Prices
The Telangana State Drugs Control Administration (DCA) recently conducted a raid at Hyderabad Multispecialty Hospital located in Judges Colony, Malakpet. Officials discovered that the hospital was selling medicines at prices far higher than the maximum retail price (MRP) mentioned on their labels.
The medicines being sold at excessive rates included normal saline injections, avil injections (used for treating allergies), zofer injections (used to prevent nausea and vomiting), IV sets (used for administering fluids or medications intravenously), and spafast-d injections (used for pain relief). For instance, the zofer injection, which had an MRP of Rs 13.35, was sold for Rs 150, an increase of Rs 136.65. Similarly, avil injections with an MRP of Rs 6.16 were sold at Rs 100, adding Rs 93.84 to the price. Overcharging was also reported for other items like normal saline (100 ml and 500 ml) and spafast-d injections.
During the raid, the DCA seized sales bills from the hospital’s pharmacy that confirmed the inflated prices. A case has been filed against the hospital under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, along with the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. Officials stated that further investigations would be conducted, and strict action would be taken against those responsible.
The DCA has urged the public to report any suspicious activities involving drugs, including illegal manufacturing or pricing issues, in residential, commercial, or industrial areas. Complaints can also be lodged regarding narcotics and psychotropic substances. Citizens can contact the DCA through their toll-free hotline at 1800-599-6969, which operates from 10:30 am to 5 pm on working days.