Kangpokpi's Regulated Drug Trade Gets Major Fillip with Distribution of 42 Schedule X Licences

In a significant step towards strengthening the regulated pharmaceutical sector and ensuring compliance with India's drug control laws, as many as 42 licences for the sale, stocking, exhibition for sale and distribution of Schedule X drugs were formally handed over to beneficiaries during a distribution ceremony held at LNC Hotel, Kangpokpi, on Wednesday, June 3.

The programme was organised by the Chemist & Druggist Association Kangpokpi District and attended by David Letgoulien Gangte, Drug Inspector In-Charge of Kangpokpi District, representatives of local civil bodies, pharmacy owners and members of the association.

The licences were issued by the Directorate of Health Services Manipur through the Licensing and Controlling Authority under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.

According to the Association, out of the total 42 licences distributed, 25 beneficiaries received Wholesale Drug Licences authorising them to sell, stock, exhibit for sale, offer for sale and distribute by wholesale drugs listed under Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The remaining 17 beneficiaries were granted Retail Drug Licences, enabling them to sell, stock, exhibit for sale and distribute Schedule X drugs through authorised retail establishments.

Hencha Kipgen, President, Chemist & Druggist Association Kangpokpi said that the Schedule X drugs constitute a highly regulated category of medicines, including certain habit-forming and psychotropic pharmaceutical products whose manufacture, storage, sale and distribution are subject to stringent statutory controls.

He said under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, the sale of such medicines is permitted only through licensed entities, with mandatory maintenance of records, prescription requirements and strict compliance with regulatory conditions aimed at preventing misuse, diversion and illegal trafficking.

Speaking on the occasion, David Letgoulien Gangte, Drug Inspector In-charge, Kangpokpi underscored the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical supply chain. 

He noted that the issuance of licences reflects the government's commitment to bringing drug commerce within the ambit of law and ensuring that medicines are dispensed only through authorised and regulated channels.

The In-Charge Drug Inspector handed over the licences to the beneficiaries in the presence of leaders of the Chemist & Druggist Association Kangpokpi District, who described the development as a major milestone for the district's pharmaceutical community.

He said the move would facilitate lawful business operations, strengthen regulatory compliance and improve public access to medicines through licensed establishments.

The association observed that the distribution of the licences would not only promote professional standards among chemists and druggists but also enhance monitoring mechanisms against the unauthorised sale of controlled medicines.

They also expressed hope that the initiative would contribute to safer pharmaceutical practices and reinforce public confidence in the healthcare delivery system.

The ceremony concluded with a call for all licence holders to strictly adhere to the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules, maintain prescribed records, and ensure that Schedule X drugs are handled in accordance with the legal safeguards laid down by the regulatory authorities.