The Punjab government has escalated its efforts to enforce drug laws, conducting a significant number of inspections in recent months. From April 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, the Drugs Wing of the Food and Drugs Administration carried out 16,788 inspections. This initiative aims to strengthen the enforcement of drug regulations and curb the misuse of pharmaceuticals across the state.

During this period, authorities seized medicines valued at Rs 20.64 crore from a total of 214 licensed and unlicensed firms. The government has taken stringent action against chemists, suspending the licences of 520 individuals and cancelling those of 22 others for violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs Rules, 1945. These measures reflect the government’s commitment to tackling drug-related issues in Punjab.

Legal Actions and Regulatory Changes

In addition to the seizures and licence suspensions, the Punjab government has initiated legal proceedings against violators. A total of 54 court cases have been filed against defaulters, resulting in 35 convictions and associated fines. Currently, 650 cases are pending trial in various district courts throughout the state, indicating a robust legal approach to drug law enforcement.

Furthermore, the Government of India has made a significant regulatory change by including Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, as per notification G.S.R.377(E), dated May 13, 2026. This new provision is set to take effect on November 12, 2026. Previously, Pregabalin was not classified under any schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, or the Drugs Rules, 1945, leading to concerns over its misuse.

The Punjab government has actively sought intervention from the central government to regulate the misuse of Pregabalin. Officials have communicated the necessity of regulatory measures to control its distribution and availability, particularly in the context of rising addiction issues.

Concerns Over Online Medicine Sales

The Punjab government has also expressed concerns regarding the online sale of medicines through e-pharmacies. Officials have raised issues with the Union health minister about the lack of regulations governing these sales, which they believe undermines efforts to prevent the misuse of habit-forming medicines. The state government argues that certain medications remain readily available online, posing a significant challenge to public health initiatives.

In response to these concerns, the Punjab government has restricted the stocking and sale of eight specific types of drug formulations within the state. However, the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework for online medicine sales continues to hinder effective enforcement efforts. The government is advocating for the establishment of clear guidelines to address this issue.

Additionally, the Punjab government has raised issues regarding the high prices of medicines and the inconsistencies in pricing for products containing the same active pharmaceutical ingredient. Despite these concerns, the state government has noted that the Centre has not taken substantial action until recent interventions prompted by the Supreme Court.

Through these measures, the Punjab government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health and enhancing the enforcement of drug laws. The administration aims to ensure that stringent regulations are in place to combat drug misuse and protect the welfare of its citizens.

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