MCDA warns against illegal trading of 'life saving drugs'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, May 23 2024:
Wholesalers and retailers of pharmaceutical drugs are unable to stock and supply 'life saving drugs' included under Schedule X and Hl to patients in need, due to illegal trading of the same by drug cartels in the form of intoxicants, said Manipur Chemists and Druggists' Association (MCDA) while announcing that retailers found involved in unethical practice or associated with the drug cartels will no longer be allowed to supply medicines and held accountable in accordance with the relevant Act and rules.
In a press meet held at MCDA's Gambhir Singh Shopping Arcade, BT Road office here on Thursday, Association general secretary Thokchom Dijamani said that the drugs sold by licensed wholesalers and retailers under Schedule X and Schedule H1 as per the relevant drug law, are all lifesaving drugs.
These drugs though crucial for critically-ill patients are being traded by drug cartels as intoxicants.
As such, the honest wholesalers and retailers have been unable to stock or provide the medicines to the patients in need, he added.
The secretary continued that as per the guidelines of Schedule X and Schedule H1, retailers need to maintain a copy of the doctor's prescription while selling the drugs.
However, around 1-2 per cent of retailers were found associated with the drug cartels, which has tarnished reputation of all the wholesalers and retailers working sincerely.
Even if a retailer is not a member of MCDA, he/she would be barred from supplying medicines if found involved in unethical practices, and held accountable as per the Act and the rules, he stated.
Dijamani also cautioned consumers to be wary of drugs sold online at discounted prices, as many of these are fake.
In addition, the number of drug companies in Manipur is increasing day-by-day, making it difficult for patients to find the drugs prescribed by the doctors.
Thus, he urged the drug companies to open stockists at suitable locations, while urging to contact MCDA for any marketing purposes as this will help facilitate the supply of medicines to the people.
Chipping in, Medical Directorate drug inspector Yanglem Ronel said that drugs under Schedule X and Schedule H1 are to be sold to patients as per the doctor's prescription and the retailers should maintain copy of the prescription and the patient's profile.
If the records are not maintained, the retailers are liable to face jail term of 1-2 years and have their license revoked as per the law.
He continued that patients in need of such lifesaving drugs are unable to get them due to misuse as intoxicants.
As such, he urged individuals who are not stockists to stop supplying/delivering drugs door-to-door just for some money.
In this regard, a letter has been sent to the Drug Consultative Committee and Drug Controller, he informed.