In a major enforcement drive, the Drugs Control Administration, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland, has closed down 54 pharmacies in Mokokchung town for regulatory violations.
According to the Drugs Control Officer, Mokokchung, the action was taken in pursuance of the Cancellation Order issued by the Controlling and Licensing Authority, Drugs Control Administration.
The pharmacies were found to be in violation of Rule 65(2) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which specifies that the supply of any drug on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner must be affected only by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist; and Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 which says only a registered pharmacist can dispense medicines, despite several public notices issued earlier.
The closure exercise was carried out on April 3, 4, and 5, 2025, with support from the District Administration, Police, Watsu Mungdang, and Ao Kaketshir Mundang.
The Drugs Control Administration has acknowledged the support rendered by the various departments and CSOs during the operation.