Srinagar, November 23 (News Desk/Scoop News) J&K Chemists and druggists association have supported the action taken by Drug & Food Control Organisation against the chemists not adhering to the provisions of the Drug & Cosmetic Act. This was stated by the President and members of the Association when they called on the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon.
The Association laid stated that there are no spurious drugs in the Valley, as has been highlighted in the media. The Drug Control Deptt has suspended licenses of 34 chemist in the past few days for either selling expired medicines or not issuing cash bills to the customers, irrespective of whether the customer demands the bill or not and absence of the qualified person in the chemist shop. In certain cases the batch numbers were not being recorded and medicines were being dispensed without prescription. In three cases action had been taken for selling medicines which have been banned by the Drug Controller General of India.
It was informed that out of total trade of Rs. 600 Crore the Valley consumes medicines worth Rs 400 Crore annually. The Association urged Div Com to issue instructions to the State Pharmacy Council not to issue any new retail licences unless the person is qualified..
Div Com directed that all chemists that they should treat their work as service to the nation and not livelihood. They were directed to maintain record of the drugs sold to the customers by issuing cash memos with batch number and expiry date, irrespective of whether the customer demands it or not. No medicine should be sold without prescription and in case any chemist is found indulging in touting their licence will be cancelled. Div Com directed that henceforth no new retail licence will be issued unless the person is technically qualified for the same. There are reports that some companies are offering incentives to doctors so that their sub standard products can be sold. Div Com directed that a vigil will be maintained and any doctor found indulging in such activity will lose their licence to practice.