Unlicensed vendors have been selling medicines from makeshift roadside stalls across several parts of Assam’s Nagaon district, raising fresh concerns about patient safety and the lack of regulatory oversight. At the daily market in Udmari Baligutia, residents found drug sales taking place alongside vegetable and grocery stalls, with many sellers reportedly operating without licences or departmental authorisation.
Locals say some of these sellers are locally known as “doctors” and offer both medicines and treatment despite questions about their qualifications and legal status. The practice is said to extend beyond Baligutia to towns and villages including Dhing, Moirabari, Dumdumia, Juria, Kampur, Kachua and Rupahi.
Nagaon District Pharmacist Counsellor Kamal Hassan alleged that the vendors do not hold valid licences to sell medicines and urged authorities to carry out a special enforcement drive as soon as possible. He warned that easy access to drugs through unregulated channels can expose patients to serious health risks, particularly when medicines are dispensed without proper diagnosis or prescription.
Health officials and residents fear that treatment provided by unqualified practitioners could result in severe complications, including incorrect medication, harmful drug interactions, and delays in receiving appropriate care. Several residents have called for stricter enforcement of pharmacy regulations and tighter action against unauthorised medical practice in rural areas of the district.
The situation highlights gaps in local regulatory reach and the potential dangers of informal healthcare networks, especially where formal services are limited. Authorities have been asked to inspect roadside stalls, verify licences, and take action against unauthorised pharmacies to protect public health.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/video/unlicensed-medicine-vendors-operate-openly-in-parts-of-assams-nagaon-raising-safety-concerns-1403978-2026-06-07?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2026-06-07 11:21:00
