The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) raided 190 medical shops across the State on January 21. The raids targeted illegal antibiotic sales to fight antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major health threat. The DCA found many shops selling antibiotics without a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner. Several violations were detected, such as no sale bills, absence of Registered Pharmacists, and poor record keeping. "Antibiotics are prescription medicines listed under Schedule H and Schedule H1 and cannot be sold over the counter," the DCA said in a release. The department issued showcause notices to all violators and will take action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The DCA warned that "stringent action would be taken against pharmacies that flout the law." They also issued a public advisory citing the World Health Organisation, stating antimicrobial resistance is one of the top 10 global public health threats. This special enforcement drive aims to control the misuse of antibiotics and protect public health.