IT News
Imphal, May 4:
Manipur Chemists & Druggists Association (MCDA), affiliated with the All India Organization of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD), raises serious concerns regarding the Central Government’s proposal to permit the sale of Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs without a license in India.
In a memorandum submitted on Tuesday to key authorities including the Health Minister, Principal Health Secretary, Drug Controller General of India, Director General of Health Services, and Chairman of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), AIOCD underscores the grave risks associated with this proposal. President JS Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal highlight the potential violations of existing drug laws, pharmacy regulations, and directives from the Honorable Supreme Court.
The proposal, if implemented, could lead to dangerous self-medication and drug abuse, absence of pharmacist consultation services, increased risk of adverse drug reactions, proliferation of counterfeit drugs, delayed access to healthcare services, higher incidence of diseases due to medication overdose, compromised standards of medication storage, and inadequate pharmacovigilance measures.
AIOCD, representing 12.40 lac chemists nationwide, staunchly opposes any measure that compromises the integrity of the healthcare system. The organization stresses the importance of consulting relevant stakeholders, including AIOCD, in the formulation of regulations concerning this issue.