"Proposal to allow sale of OTC drugs without license poses grave concerns"
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 03 2024:
The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has expressed deep concern over the Central Government's proposal to permit the sale of Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs without a license in India.
A release jointly signed by RK Rakesh Singh, president Manipur Chemists & Druggists Association (MCDA) and Th Dijamani Sing, honorary general secretary MCDA, informed that the AIOCD recently submitted a detailed memorandum submitted to the Health Minister, Principal Health Secretary, Drug Controller General of India, Director General of Health Services, Chairman of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), and other relevant authorities, highlighting the significant risks associated with this proposal.
In the memorandum, AIOCD president JS Shinde and general secretary Rajiv Singhal emphasized that such a move would contravene existing drug laws, pharmacy regulations, and pertinent legal frameworks, including directives from the Supreme Court.
AIOCD mentioned that allowing OTC drug sales without proper regulation poses serious threats, including but not limited 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 also urged the Government to consider the multifaceted implications of this proposal, emphasizing that unregulated availability of medications in general and grocery stores does not serve the best interests of society.
AIOCD further conveyed its firm opposition against any measure that undermines the integrity of the healthcare system and highlighted the importance of consulting all relevant stakeholders in the formulation of regulations pertaining to this matter.