Chemists warn of health risks over OTC drug plan, demand stakeholder consultation

advertisement

Guwahati, May 12: The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing 12.5 lakh chemists across the country, has raised strong objections to a proposed regulation allowing Over the Counter (OTC) medicines to be sold through general stores.

In a formal submission to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Health Secretary, and the Director General of Health Services, AIOCD president JS Shinde and general secretary Rajiv Singhal called for immediate consultations with stakeholders before finalizing any list of OTC drugs.

advertisement

The AIOCD warned that poorly implemented policies could violate existing drug laws, promote irrational drug use, and lead to the spread of spurious or substandard medicines. The organization also highlighted serious public health risks, including increased drug resistance and adverse drug reactions.

In addition, the AIOCD demanded the revocation of GSR 220(E)—a notification issued during the COVID-19 emergency that allowed home delivery of medicines. They argued that online platforms misuse this provision by violating prescription norms and distributing critical medicines without pharmacist supervision.

The organization emphasized that licensed retail chemists are the backbone of India’s pharmaceutical supply system and urged the government to uphold drug distribution laws by involving all relevant stakeholders in regulatory decisions.

advertisement

Hot this week

Pay hike of Assam ministers, MLAs likely as 3-member panel submits report

Full report likely by Oct 30 Guwahati Sept 25: There...

Meghalaya Biological Park Inaugurated After 25 Years: A New Chapter in Conservation and Education

Shillong, Nov 28: Though it took nearly 25 years...

ANSAM rejects Kuki’s separate administration demand, says bifurcation not acceptable

Guwahati, Sept 8: Rejecting the separate administration demand of...

Meghalaya man missing in Bangkok

Shillong, Jan 10: A 57-year-old Meghalaya resident, Mr. Treactchell...

Meghalaya’s historic fiber paves the way for eco-friendly products and sustainable livelihoods

By Roopak Goswami Shillong, Oct 25: From making earbuds to...

KHADC draws Opp flak over showcause notice to officer

Shillong, Oct 22: A showcause notice issued to an...

KHADC seeks exemption from Centre’s memo on uranium mining

Shillong, Oct 22: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council...

Construction of Tura Cenotaph to commence soon

Shillong, Oct 22: Construction of a new Cenotaph in...

HNLC ready for peace talks, insists on ‘mutual respect’

Shillong, Oct 22: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council...

Murmu’s helicopter wheels sink into newly concreted landing pad

Pathanamthitta (Kerala), Oct 22: The wheels of the helicopter...

Salary issue won’t affect NPP’s prospect in GHADC polls: Marak

Shillong, Oct 22: The prospect of National People's Party...

USTM scientist receives award from ISRO

Shillong, Oct 22: Dr Murchana Khusroo, Assistant Professor in...

Shillong ranked as India’s cleanest air city

Shillong, Oct 22: Even as most Indian cities’ Air...
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories