Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister Veena George urged Union health minister JP Nadda to take action against the online purchase of unauthorised medicines, including anabolic steroids. She met Nadda in New Delhi and sent a letter stressing the same.
Kerala is actively working against unauthorised medicines, she said. To curb the use of anabolic steroids, the state drug control department is taking strict measures. As part of “Operation Body Beauty,” the department conducted special inspections in gyms across the state to identify illegal medicines and prevent their misuse. Inspections were carried out in 50 gyms and medicines worth approximately Rs 1.5 lakh were seized.
These drugs were not sourced from medical shops but were purchased online, prompting the minister’s appeal to the Union minister.
“Legal action is being taken against these gyms. Such medicines should only be used with a doctor’s prescription and can only be sold by authorised pharmacies. Misuse of these drugs can lead to severe health issues,” she added.
Inspections focusing on gyms are being intensified. The department also decided to conduct awareness classes to educate the youth about the harmful effects of such drugs.
