Pharmacy Shut Down for Illicit Abortion Pill Sales After Regulatory Crackdown

A sting operation initiated by the health authorities in Trichy found the illicit selling of abortion drugs at a chemist's shop in KK Nagar, with a prompt crackdown initiated by the Tamil Nadu Drugs Control Department. The pharmacy and its associated medical agency were sealed on Wednesday following the discovery of evidence related to the illegal activity.

The investigation began after a woman was rushed to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) with severe bleeding. Doctors at the E Pudur Urban Primary Health Centre learned during questioning that she had taken abortion pills obtained without a prescription. The source was traced back to a pharmacy in KK Nagar.

Following the lead, health officials from the Trichy Corporation devised a sting operation. On Tuesday, a female officer, posing as a pregnant woman, visited the pharmacy in search of abortion pills. Though the staff initially hesitated, they asked her to return the following day.

On Wednesday, she was sold an abortion kit, normally priced around ₹200 for a hiked amount of ₹2,000 to ₹2,200. The transaction was completed via digital payment to a number provided by the pharmacy.

Acting on the outcome of the operation, officials from the Drugs Control Department carried out a surprise inspection at the pharmacy. During the raid, they uncovered strips of abortion pills and found empty boxes of the same at a nearby medical agency run by the pharmacy. Both places were sealed straight away for breaching drug rules.

City Health Officer M. Vijay Chandran has confirmed that the pills in question fall under the Schedule H category and can be given only against a valid doctor's prescription. Sale of such drugs without authorization is dangerous and can lead to life-threatening situations during pregnancy. He stated that such practices are not only illegal but could lead to maternal fatalities.

Chandran added that the department would continue conducting such covert inspections to ensure public safety and hold accountable those involved in the unlawful distribution of restricted medications.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)