Pharmacies are strictly instructed by the Udupi District Administration not to sell paracetamol and other antibiotics without a prescription from a doctor.

This occurs in the district amid an increase in dengue and other infectious illness cases. Patients who self-medicate have raised concerns about wrong diagnoses and insufficient care, which could have fatal consequences for their health.

In a release, the Assistant Drug Controller of Udupi announced that, out of caution, drug dealers inside the district are not allowed to sell paracetamol and antibiotics drugs without a doctor's prescription.

The Assistant Drug Controller further emphasized that steps should be taken by all blood cell centers in the district to avoid shortages of blood and blood products. Blood donation lists must be prepared, and blood centers must keep enough blood on hand to meet demand.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)