A 28-year-old pharmacist was arrested on Wednesday for issuing prescriptions and providing treatment to patients at his clinic-cum-pharmacy in Venkatasamudram village near Ambur town in Tirupattur.

Health officials identified the arrested pharmacist as N. Ajith Kumar, a native of Tirupattur. Initial inquiries revealed that he had been offering medical treatment to patients in the village for the past few years without any professional qualifications. He had converted his rented house into a clinic and pharmacy to serve patients in the remote village. On average, 35 to 50 patients waited daily outside the pharmacy for treatment.

A special medical team led by B. Yogesh, Medical Officer at the Government Taluk Hospital in Ambur, conducted a surprise inspection of the premises following complaints from residents. The team included a doctor, a pharmacist, and a drug inspector.

During the search, officials found numerous used medical instruments, prescriptions, and letterheads in the clinic, which was located at the rear of the pharmacy. They also discovered used syringes, capsules, and other medical equipment inside the clinic.

The clinic and pharmacy were sealed, and the team seized medical equipment including a blood pressure apparatus, stethoscope, and syringes. The accused is reported to be a first-time offender. A case was registered by the Oomerabad police, and he was subsequently lodged in the sub-jail in Tirupattur town. An investigation is under way.