SRINAGAR: In a major initiative to strengthen post-market surveillance of medicines, the Drugs & Food Control Organisation,J&K conducted a special sampling drive across the districts of Srinagar, Baramulla and Kupwara to ensure that only safe, efficacious and quality medicines are available to patients.

The special drive with more than 30 inspections in medical sale establishments was carried out by teams of Drugs Control Officers from the three districts, with a focused strategy of lifting statutory drug samples of medicines manufactured by various lesser-known pharmaceutical companies.

13 samples have been drawn for detailed quality testing and dispatched to notified Government Drug Testing Laboratories to ascertain their compliance with the prescribed quality standards under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules.

During the drive, operation of one chemist M/s Aleena Medicate, near Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Rainawari, was suspended for one day, for absence of qualified person.

The drive forms part of the Department's intensified market surveillance programme aimed at proactively monitoring the quality of medicines available in the supply chain. By targeting products manufactured by lesser-known companies, the department seeks to strengthen regulatory oversight and ensure that medicines reaching the public conform to established standards of safety, efficacy and quality.

Khalid Jahangeer, Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration, J&K, reiterated that the Department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that every patient in the Union Territory has access to safe, effective and quality medicines. He said that surveillance and enforcement activities will continue to be intensified across Jammu and Kashmir and warned that stringent action under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act will be taken against any manufacturer, distributor or retailer found dealing in drugs that fail to meet prescribed quality standards.

The special drive was conducted under the overall supervision of Rajesh Kumar, State Drugs Controller, J&K, who stated that the Department has adopted a robust risk-based surveillance mechanism to safeguard public health. He emphasized that regular statutory sampling, rigorous quality testing and continuous market monitoring are essential to maintain the integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain and protect patients from substandard or non-compliant medicines.

The Drugs & Food Control Organisation,J&K  has appealed to all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to adhere strictly to the statutory provisions governing the manufacture, distribution and sale of medicines. The Department also urged the public to purchase medicines only from licensed pharmacies and to report any suspected quality-related issues to the Drugs & Food Control Organisation,J&K  for prompt action.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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