Chandina Pharmacy Fined Tk 100,000 Over Alleged Sale of Expired Antibiotics

Family Files Police Complaint After Child Falls Ill; Health Worker Links Symptoms to Expired Medicine Comilla Correspondent CHANDINA, Cumilla, Bangladesh: A pharmacy in Chandina Bazar has been fined Tk 100,000 following allegations that it sold expired antibiotics. The action was taken during a joint operation led by Chandina Upazila Assistant Commissioner (Land) Injarul Islam, with cooperation from the local health department. The incident came to light after a family alleged that their child developed health complications after taking an antibiotic purchased from Dutta Pharmacy in Chandina Bazar. The family subsequently filed a written complaint with Chandina Police Station. Child Develops Rash, Fever and Vomiting According to the family, they purchased an antibiotic named UMACTIN from Dutta Pharmacy for their child. After the child took the medicine, a rash reportedly appeared on the child's body, accompanied by fever and vomiting. The family later checked the medicine's expiry date and alleged that it had expired. They lodged a written complaint with the police, seeking action against the pharmacy over the alleged sale of expired medicine. Health Department Assists in Investigation A health assistant from Chandina Upazila Health Department reportedly stated that the child's health problems occurred because the antibiotic had expired. However, further medical evidence establishing a direct link between the medicine and the child's symptoms was not available at the time of reporting. Following the allegations, an administrative operation was conducted at Dutta Pharmacy. The operation was carried out under the leadership of Injarul Islam, Assistant Commissioner (Land) of Chandina Upazila, with the initiative and cooperation of Dr Arifur Rahman, Upazila Health and Family Planning Officer. The pharmacy was fined Tk 100,000, according to information received. Questions Remain Over Regulatory Violations Details regarding the specific violations established during the operation, the legal provision under which the fine was imposed, and whether further action will be taken against the pharmacy were not immediately available. The incident has highlighted concerns over the sale of expired medicines and the importance of monitoring pharmaceutical outlets to protect public health. Expired medicines and improper pharmaceutical practices can raise serious safety concerns. Consumers are advised to check expiry dates before purchasing medicines and to seek medical advice when adverse symptoms develop after taking medication. An official statement detailing the findings of the inspection and the legal basis for the fine would help clarify the case further.