Last Updated on November 11, 2023 by The Health Master
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory
Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory: The Tamil Nadu Drug Control Administration (TN DCA) has taken a decisive step towards safeguarding the dwindling vulture population in the forested areas of the state.
This action focuses on curbing the use of diclofenac and aceclofenac, potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs, in veterinary treatments.
The alarming decline in vulture numbers has prompted the government to address this pharmaceutical threat.
A History of Concern
In 2008, the government of India prohibited the use of diclofenac and its formulations for animal treatment.
However, a provision allowed its use as a single-dose injection for humans. M. Sridhar, deputy director at the TN DCA, highlights this critical distinction.
Mobilizing Forces: The State Vulture Protection Committee (VPC)
On November 2, the state forest secretary convened a crucial meeting of the State Vulture Protection Committee (VPC), with the involvement of the Department of Drugs Control.
Sridhar represented the director, elucidating the measures taken by the department to restrict the use of banned formulations in veterinary care.
Notably, 147 cases have been pursued against medical shops over the past three years for distributing veterinary medicines containing these prohibited substances.
Probing the Dire Consequences
The VPC’s investigations have unveiled a distressing trend: vultures across Tamil Nadu are succumbing to their demise after consuming the carcasses of cattle treated with diclofenac.
Sridhar is set to conduct an on-site assessment of the forested regions in the upcoming week.
Combatting Illegal Practices
In a parallel effort, the TN DCA has cracked down on 17 medical shops in Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode for illicitly dispensing abortion pills.
These establishments failed to maintain proper records and prescriptions for these medications.
It has come to light that certain medical shops in these districts have been engaged in the unauthorized sale of abortion pills, prompting ongoing inspections.
Unearthing Malpractices in Southern Tamil Nadu
The southern districts of Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli, Thenkashi, and Thuthukudi have revealed a glaring loophole: medical shops dispensing habit-forming drugs without the requisite prescriptions.
Swift action was taken against seven shop owners, resulting in the suspension of their sale licenses.
Additionally, misbranded and substandard drugs were seized, and legal action was taken against those found in possession of such medicines.
A Call to Action
Following these extensive raids, the deputy director of the drug control administration has issued a directive to all ADCs and drug inspectors across Tamil Nadu.
Their mission: to conduct comprehensive inspections of all medical shops, rooting out any violations of drug laws.
In Virudhachalam, eight medical shops were subjected to surprise inspections, resulting in the cancellation of 117 sale licenses and the issuance of six closure orders within the last six months.
FAQs
- Why were diclofenac and aceclofenac banned for animal use in 2008?
- These drugs were banned due to their detrimental effects on vultures, which were facing a sharp decline in population.
- What is the role of the State Vulture Protection Committee?
- The committee plays a pivotal role in coordinating efforts to protect and conserve the vulture population in Tamil Nadu.
- What are the consequences of vultures consuming diclofenac-treated carcasses?
- The drug poses a severe threat to vultures, leading to fatal consequences upon ingestion.
- How many medical shops were implicated in the illegal sale of abortion pills?
- A total of 17 medical shops in Coimbatore, Tirupur, and Erode were found guilty of this practice.
- What measures are being taken to address the sale of habit-forming drugs without prescriptions?
- Raids and inspections are being conducted across southern Tamil Nadu to curb this illicit practice and enforce legal compliance.
Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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