Overview On January 21, 2026 , the Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) conducted State-wide raids on medical shops as part of a special enforcement drive. The primary objective was to curb antimicrobial resistance (AMR) , a significant and growing public health concern linked to the indiscriminate use of antibiotics. Key Developments State-Wide Raids Date: The raids were carried out on January 21, 2026 . Objective: To address the increasing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) . Scope: The enforcement drive covered medical shops across the entire State of Telangana . Findings and Actions Discrepancies: Violations related to the sale of antibiotics were detected in 190 medical shops across the State. Showcause Notices: Showcause notices have been issued to all the establishments found violating norms. Legal Action: Departmental action will be initiated under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 , and the rules framed under it. Specific Violations Officials identified multiple violations during the inspections, including: Sale of antibiotics without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner . Sale without issuance of a proper sale bill . Sale in the absence of a Registered Pharmacist . Non-maintenance of the Schedule H1 Drugs Register for antibiotics. Failure to maintain proper prescription registers . Regulatory Framework Antibiotics are classified as prescription medicines and are listed under Schedule H and Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules . These regulations explicitly prohibit the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics without a valid prescription. Penalties for Violations The sale of antibiotics without a valid prescription from a qualified doctor is a punishable offense. The department has stated that stringent action will be taken against pharmacies that flout the law. Public Advisory and Global Context The department also issued a public advisory, emphasizing that AMR has emerged as a global healthcare crisis. Citing the World Health Organisation (WHO) , the DCA highlighted that antimicrobial resistance has been identified as one of the top 10 global public health threats facing humanity. UPSC Relevance This news article is relevant to the UPSC Civil Services Exam , particularly under GS Paper 2 (Health) and GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology) . It highlights issues related to public health, government regulations, and the global threat of antimicrobial resistance. Key Terms for UPSC Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): The ability of microorganisms to resist antimicrobial drugs, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: Indian legislation that regulates the import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality. Schedule H and H1 Drugs: Categories of prescription drugs under the Drugs Rules, including antibiotics, that require a prescription from a registered medical practitioner for sale. Potential UPSC Questions Discuss the challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in India and the steps being taken to address this issue. Evaluate the role of drug regulatory bodies in preventing the misuse of antibiotics and ensuring public health. Analyze the significance of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, in regulating the pharmaceutical industry and safeguarding public health.