In a much-needed move to enforce accountability and ensure public safety, the Drug Control Department suspended the licences of five medical shops in Kanelwan, Bijbehara, on Monday, July 28, for violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This action signals a serious intent on the part of the authorities to clamp down on pharmacies that operate in defiance of the legal framework designed to protect consumers from unsafe, expired, or unregulated drugs. Pharmacies are not just retail stores — they are critical nodes in the healthcare ecosystem. Every tablet, injection, or vial dispensed must adhere to strict quality and regulatory standards. Unfortunately, for years, a worrying number of medical stores in semi-urban and rural areas have operated with shocking disregard for rules. From selling medicines without prescriptions to stocking expired drugs, to employing unqualified personnel — violations have been rampant, and oversight often lax. The suspension of these five shops must be seen in this broader context. These are not just routine enforcement actions; they are statements of intent. When pharmacies flout norms, the repercussions are not merely administrative — they can lead to serious health consequences for patients. Substandard or misprescribed drugs can aggravate illnesses, cause adverse reactions, or lead to antibiotic resistance — a public health crisis already looming large in the country. What makes the crackdown particularly significant is its timing. With rising dependence on self-medication and over-the-counter drug sales, especially in regions with weak doctor-patient ratios, the onus on pharmacies to act responsibly is higher than ever. The government must now ensure that such actions are not one-off responses but part of a sustained campaign of vigilance and enforcement. Moreover, this incident must also serve as a wake-up call for pharmacists across Jammu and Kashmir to comply with licensing norms, maintain records meticulously, and employ trained personnel. The Drug Control Department must increase the frequency of surprise inspections and ensure that violators face swift punitive measures — including not just suspensions, but permanent cancellations and legal prosecution where warranted. Transparency is equally crucial. The public has a right to know which pharmacies have been penalised and for what violations. Publishing such details publicly would deter others from taking shortcuts and instill greater consumer confidence in the system. Ultimately, this crackdown is a reminder that access to medicine is a public good — but only when governed by rules that prioritise safety, professionalism, and integrity. The health of a community depends not just on doctors and hospitals, but also on the silent accountability of every pharmacy counter.