JAMMU: The Drug Control organisation has served Show cause notices to (12) Pharmacies for committing various breaches under the provisions of the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder.
The State Drug Controller, Lotika Khajuria initiated a drive covering remote and far-flung areas of Union Territory of J&K. This step was taken to monitor the dispensing practices and availability of commonly used Medical products. One of the exercise which concluded on 23.03.2021 covered fair weather locations of Udhampur District namely Majalata, Katheel, Dudu, Basantgarh, Latti and Bapp.
The Pharmacies and health institutions existing in these areas were subjected to Inspection. Focus was laid on licit use of Pharmaceutical preparations, storage and overall hygiene of the premises where stocks of drugs were kept for further use.
During the drive (29) samples which included (11) informal samples were lifted for purpose of test and analysis. The sampling plan was worked out carefully to include maximum categories of drugs which are commonly prescribed in these areas by the health practitioners. Twelve Pharmacies were served Show cause notices for committing various breaches under the provisions of the Drug and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and Rules thereunder.
The Hospital authorities were emphasized to take necessary steps for opening of Jan Aushadi Kendras where ever feasible.
It was impressed upon the authorities that such Kendras shall help to reduce out of pocket expenditure on medicines by 200 to 300 percent. The end-users who belong to low-income groups can get benefitted through such initiatives. The inspection team comprised Renuka Raina, Assistant Controller, Drugs, Udhampur/Ramban, who was accompanied by Drug Control Officers namely, Tejveer Singh Sodhi and Manohar Lal. The team also organized a sensitization programmes for local Chemist. The Chemists were educated to improve their existing storage facilities and also maintain sale record of all prescription drugs particularly such drugs which fall under Schedule H1 and also such drugs which contain psychotropic ingredients.
The Officers further highlighted the challenges that the drug business is generating off late. The younger generations is getting lured towards drug abuse mostly under peer pressure. It was emphasized that as stakeholders this menace requires to be curbed effectively.
The Hospital authorities at Basant-Garh were requested to create a dedicated cell for encouraging Vaccination to reduce the impact of COVID-19 infection in the area which should include adjoining hamlets as a significant number of residents are frequent travelers.
