Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 03 July 2025
The 18th meeting of the ANTF was convened on May 27, 2025, under the chairmanship of Ms. Sindhu Pillai A, IPS, Inspector General of Police, A&N Islands. During the meeting, Ms. Pillai reiterated the importance of the ANTF’s mandate and emphasized the need for coordinated action among all stakeholders to curb the drug menace in the islands.
As a follow-up, an awareness meeting was held on June 20, 2025, at the Directorate of Health Services. Chaired by Dr. Suja Antony, CMO (NFSG), Director of Health Services/State Drug Controller, the meeting brought together members of the Andaman and Nicobar Chemists and Druggists Association along with retail and wholesale pharmacy owners. The discussions focused on preventive measures and the shared responsibility of the pharmaceutical sector in creating a drug-free Andaman.
In a significant enforcement action, Ms. Nalni, Drug Inspector, accompanied by officials from the Social Welfare Department, Police Stations in Rangat, Billiground, and Diglipur, carried out surprise inspections at private pharmacies across North and Middle Andaman on June 26 and 27, 2025.
Awareness sessions were also organized at PS Rangat and PS Diglipur, where pharmacy owners and pharmacists were briefed on the conditions of retail drug licenses. Key areas of focus included the mandatory maintenance of Schedule H and H1 drug registers, CCTV installations with 30-day backup, and proper display of valid drug licenses.
Officials highlighted legal provisions under Section 42(a) of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and Rule 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, cautioning against operating pharmacies without qualified pharmacists. The meetings concluded with participants taking an ‘Anti-Narcotic Pledge.’
The Health Department has urged the general public to report any suspected drug abuse in or around pharmacy outlets by contacting 9434266561. (Story Based on PR)
