Bhubaneswar, Dec 2: In a renewed push to strengthen public health safety, the Health and Family Welfare Department has intensified its state-wide crackdown on the illegal sale of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits, misuse of abortion pills, and unsafe self-medication practices.

The Drugs Control Directorate has been directed to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and take strict action against all forms of unsafe and unregulated abortion-related activities, said an official today.

Coordinated operations involving Assistant Controllers of Drugs, Drug Inspectors, police, and law-and-order authorities are underway across all districts, the official said.

Enforcement teams are conducting raids targeting unauthorized sales of MTP kits, absence of qualified pharmacists in drug stores, non-maintenance of prescription records, illegal stocking, and other violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and its Rules. The department has issued clear instructions to curb such illegal activities by unscrupulous shops and agents.

To date, more than 400 raids have been carried out across the State, uncovering 234 violations, the official said.

Inspection reports are currently under review, and show-cause notices are being issued accordingly. Fifty-five shop owners have already been served notices as a preliminary step toward prosecution. Two establishments selling MTP kits and other medicines without proper licenses have been sealed, and prosecution processes have been initiated.

The department has reiterated that stringent action will continue against any distributors, wholesalers, or retailers found violating statutory provisions. Additionally, strict vigilance is being maintained on habit-forming drugs, codeine-based cough syrups, and the circulation of spurious medicines.