The Punjab government has intensified its campaign against violations of drug laws, seizing medicines worth ₹20.64 crore and suspending the licences of 520 chemists between April 1, 2025, and September 30, 2026. The state’s Food and Drugs Administration also cancelled the licences of 22 chemists after detecting violations of regulations governing the sale and distribution of medicines. The enforcement drive aims to improve public safety, prevent the misuse of medicines and strengthen compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. According to an official government statement, the Drugs Wing carried out 16,788 inspections during the review period, covering both licensed and unlicensed establishments. The action reflects the state’s efforts to tighten supervision of medicine sales and address the availability of products that can be misused for intoxication.

₹20.64 Crore Worth of Medicines Seized Across Punjab

The scale of the enforcement operation highlights the administration’s focus on identifying irregularities in the pharmaceutical supply chain. During the period under review, authorities seized medicines valued at ₹20.64 crore from 214 licensed and unlicensed firms. The inspections were conducted to identify violations related to the storage, sale and distribution of medicines. Establishments found violating applicable laws faced regulatory action, including the suspension or cancellation of their licences. The government said regular inspections are being conducted under the directions of Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh. The objective is to strengthen implementation of drug regulations and prevent medicines from being diverted for unauthorised purposes.

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520 Chemist Licences Suspended, 22 Cancelled

Alongside the seizures, the authorities took action against chemists found violating drug laws. A total of 520 licences were suspended, while 22 licences were cancelled during the review period. Legal proceedings have also been initiated against alleged offenders. According to the government statement, 54 court cases were filed against defaulters, and 35 cases resulted in convictions along with fines. Meanwhile, 650 cases related to drug law violations remain under trial in district courts across Punjab. These figures indicate that enforcement is taking place through inspections, licensing action and court proceedings. The cases still under trial will be decided through the judicial process.

Pregabalin to Come Under Schedule H1 From November 12

Another significant development concerns Pregabalin, a medicine whose potential misuse has been a concern for authorities. The Government of India has included Pregabalin under Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, through notification G.S.R. 377(E), dated May 13, 2026. The new provision is scheduled to come into force on November 12, 2026. The Punjab government said Pregabalin had not previously been covered under any schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, or the Drugs Rules, 1945. The state had repeatedly approached the Centre seeking regulatory intervention to address its misuse. The Schedule H1 classification introduces additional regulatory controls for the medicine. Its implementation is expected to strengthen oversight of its sale and help authorities address concerns about the misuse of habit-forming medicines.

Punjab Raises Concerns Over Online Medicine Sales

The regulation of online medicine sales has emerged as another concern for the state government. Punjab has raised the issue with the Union Health Minister, pointing to the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the online sale of medicines through e-pharmacies. According to the state government, medicines that can be misused for intoxication remain accessible through online channels. This availability, it argues, creates difficulties for enforcement agencies attempting to control the misuse of habit-forming substances. Punjab has already restricted the stocking for sale of eight types of drug formulations within the state. However, officials believe that action at the state level cannot fully address the issue unless online medicine sales are also subject to effective and consistent regulation. The concern highlights the need for coordination between central and state authorities, particularly when medicines can be ordered online and supplied across geographical boundaries.

Government Flags Differences in Medicine Prices

The Punjab government has also highlighted concerns over high medicine prices and differences in the prices charged by companies for products containing the same active pharmaceutical ingredient, commonly known as a salt. According to the state’s statement, medicines with the same active ingredient may be sold at substantially different prices by different manufacturers. The government has argued that such variations can place an additional financial burden on patients and families who require regular treatment. The state said effective action on this issue had remained limited until recent intervention and directions from the Supreme Court. The statement did not provide further details about specific medicines or the extent of the price differences. The issue is particularly relevant to patients who depend on long-term medication and must manage continuing healthcare expenses.

What the Crackdown Means for Patients and Chemists

For chemists and pharmaceutical businesses, the enforcement drive underlines the importance of following applicable rules governing medicine storage, distribution and sale. Violations can lead to inspections, licence suspension, cancellation and legal proceedings. For patients, stronger monitoring may help reduce the unauthorised distribution and misuse of medicines. However, authorities will also need to ensure that legitimate patients can access prescribed medicines through lawful channels. The upcoming implementation of the Pregabalin classification, continued inspections and discussions over online sales are likely to remain important parts of the regulatory agenda.