Night Pharmacies and the Illegal Sale of Prescription Drugs in Kerala
Concerns Over Night Pharmacies' Operations
The Kerala State Pharmacy Council has expressed serious concerns regarding the illegal sale of narcotic prescription drugs by night pharmacies throughout the state. These pharmacies are reportedly dispensing narcotic medications without the necessary prescriptions, which poses a risk not only to patient health but also contributes to potential drug abuse.
Impact of Unregulated Sales
- Many pharmacies operate at night with unqualified staff.
- Schedule X narcotics and Schedule H and H1 antibiotics are being sold illegally.
- Lax regulations have led to increased cases of prescription misuse.
Regulatory Challenges
O C Naveen Chand, president of the Kerala State Pharmacy Council, highlighted that while pharmacists are required by regulations to oversee drug dispensing, many owners delegate this responsibility to unpaid assistants during night hours. This lack of supervision leads to significant lapses in compliance with drug dispensing laws.
Call for Oversight and Compliance
A N Mohan, state president of the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association, acknowledged there are instances of non-compliance but maintained that the majority of pharmacies adhere to the established regulations. He emphasized the need for a review of licensing practices to prevent indiscriminate approvals that could lead to further gaps in regulation.
Conclusion: A Call for Stricter Regulations
In light of these alarming practices, both the Kerala State Pharmacy Council and the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association call for stronger enforcement of existing regulations and proposals for enhancing compliance to ensure public safety in pharmaceutical practices.
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