Karnataka's state drug control department has stepped up efforts to curb the growing misuse of painkillers as narcotics among addicts. As part of this initiative, the department has intensified real-time monitoring of the purchase and sale of these medications. Following inspections of 470 pharmacy outlets, 10 non-compliant establishments were shut down to prevent illegal distribution and addiction, ensuring public health and safety.
The Karnataka drug control department has intensified its monitoring of painkiller sales, ensuring they're dispensed only with a valid doctor's prescription. This move aims to curb the growing misuse of painkillers as narcotics among addicts. Despite existing regulations prohibiting the sale of medications without prescriptions, many pharmacies flouted the rule, prompting the department to take action. To enhance transparency, the department introduced a special link on its website, requiring pharmacy owners to update daily sale and purchase records of painkillers.
The drug control department has intensified its crackdown on pharmacies with suspiciously high sales. To date, 470 pharmacies have undergone raids and inspections. Consequently, regulatory action has been taken against 73 non-compliant pharmacies, with 10 outlets facing severe penalties, including permanent closure and permit revocation.
The department is closely monitoring the purchase and sale of these medications to ensure compliance.
Dr. Umesh S, Drugs controller, Karnataka's Drug Control Department
Dr. Umesh S, the drugs controller of Karnataka's Drug Control Department, has instructed pharmacies to sell painkiller tablets only with a valid prescription, following several complaints from the police department. The department is closely monitoring the purchase and sale of these medications to ensure compliance.
Addict preferences have shifted from Tramadol to Diclofenac and now Tempetedol tablets. To combat this evolving issue, the need for stricter regulations from the Union government, citing addicts tendency to switch to similar alternatives from other manufacturers when one tablet is controlled.
Ramesh, A retired drug control officer
Ramesh, a retired drug control officer, noted that addict preferences have shifted from Tramadol to Diclofenac and now Tempetedol tablets. To combat this evolving issue, he emphasized the need for stricter regulations from the Union government, citing addicts tendency to switch to similar alternatives from other manufacturers when one tablet is controlled.
Monitoring painkiller sales has yielded significant results. The department flags purchases of large quantities, like 100 tablets per month, and tracks sales data, locations, and outlets. This targeted approach has successfully reduced unauthorized painkiller use by over 50%.
Ravish R, A drug control officer
Ravish R, a drug control officer, revealed that monitoring painkiller sales has yielded significant results. The department flags purchases of large quantities, like 100 tablets per month, and tracks sales data, locations, and outlets. This targeted approach has successfully reduced unauthorized painkiller use by over 50%.
Karnataka boasts an impressive 53,000 pharmacies statewide, with a substantial 25,600 situated in Bengaluru alone.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)
