BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has tightened its noose around the chemists and pharmacies following complaints over sale of drugs without a prescription. The Directorate of Drugs Control has asked all drugs inspectors to inspect all retail chemists running under their jurisdiction and check whether those are involved in any illegal practice of sale of drugs without a valid prescription. They have been directed to start a special drive to impress upon all chemists and druggists by conducting a meeting with the respective District Chemist Associations for strict adherence to the relevant provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.
Drugs Controller (DC) Hrushikesh Mohapatra said the inspectors have been asked to submit inspection report along with details of violations mentioning their observations to the directorate and the licensing authority within 20 days for taking punitive action.“Sale of Schedule H/H1 and Schedule X drugs are allowed against valid prescription in compliance of the Rules under the strict supervision of registered pharmacists only. Those who are violating it are liable for action as per law,” he clarified.
The drugs inspectors will verify details of the sale of Schedule H, H1 and X drugs without valid prescription of registered medical practitioners along with copies of prescription in respect of sale of Schedule X drugs and purchase invoices. Chemists will be taken to task for non-maintenance of a prescription register and Schedule H1 register and sale of drugs without the supervision of a registered pharmacist.
Earlier, the Health Department had also asked all doctors in State-run hospitals to write generic names of drugs in capital letters in the prescription which should carry the doctor’s full name and his seal.“Forget about the seal and generic name of drugs in capital letters. Most of the doctors put half signature on the prescription making it difficult to identify them. How can we maintain the register?” asked a salesman at a local pharmacy.
The directive from the Drugs Controller came after Health Secretary Dr Pramod Meherda asked him to initiate stringent action against violators following concerns of Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) over the rampant sale of drugs without a prescription.
Strict action
Chemists will be taken to task for non-maintenance of prescription register Inspectors will verify details of sale of Schedule H, H1 and X drugs without valid prescription of registered medical practitioners