Anantnag : In view of the complaints regarding unethical trade and misuse of allied pharmaceutical preparations by the anti-social/ nefarious elements for the purpose of addiction and intoxication especially amongst the youth, a special drive has been initiated by the Drug Control Organisation Anantnag in its endeavor to curb the misuse of such narcotic and psychotropic substances.
During the first phase of the drive, surprise inspections of Deaddiction Centers, Pharma Dealers and Chemist Shops were conducted by Drugs Control Officers to ensure that such pharmaceutical preparations are being sold in consonance with the prescriptions being generated by Registered Medical Practitioners.
During the special drive, it was observed by the inspecting teams that some of the firms were found stocking Drug Formulations comprising of Tapentadol, tramadol and were being stocked/ sold in gross violation to the mandatory provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
During the said drive, operations of seven Medical Establishments in Dialgam, Ashajipora and adjoining areas were disallowed u/s 22 (d) of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 on the spot for indulging in unethical trade practices particularly sale of habit forming formulations without maintaining records.
In light of the observations, the Department has directed all the Authorized Stockists dealing with such kind of formulations to strictly restrict sale and distribution of aforementioned restricted drugs for the legitimate requirements only.
They have been further directed to submit distribution details of formulations comprising of habit forming ingredients on monthly basis through designated mail, so that the Drugs Control Officers ( Concerned) shall check the rationality and curb the unethical trade of such drugs, failing which severe action shall be taken against such erring firms.
Assistant Drugs Controller, Anantnag has emphasized that since both the formulations which are otherwise Drug of Choice for patients suffering from severe/ critical disease in their pain management have high potential for addiction and respiratory depression when misused and taken in high doses. Therefore, the stakeholders are hereby impressed upon to ensure judicious use of such formulations and maintain complete records open for cross .
Authorities have warned the defaulters to desist from any unethical trade practices, failing which strict action as warranted under the Act shall be taken against them.
