Proposed Sale of OTC Drugs in General Stores Raises Concerns from Chemists

April 29, 2024

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OTC Drugs Medicines Self medication — OTC

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Last Updated on May 15, 2024 by The Health Master

OTC Drugs

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), a leading association of pharmacists in India, has vehemently opposed a proposal by the Central Government to allow the sale of over-the-counter drugs (OTC drugs) in general stores and grocery stores.

J. S. Shinde, President and Rajiv Singhal, Hon Gen Secretary of AIOCD argue that such a move would pose significant public health risks due to the lack of pharmacist oversight and potential for misuse of drugs.

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Concerns Raised by Chemists

Violation of Existing Laws:

AIOCD highlights that selling any drug, including OTC drugs, through unlicensed stores would violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Pharmacy Act, and Pharmacy Practice Regulations.

These regulations mandate the involvement of registered pharmacists to ensure the safe and proper dispensing of drugs.

Lack of Pharmacist Consultation:

Pharmacists play a crucial role in educating patients about drug usage, dosage, and potential side effects.

Without pharmacist guidance, individuals risk self-medicating incorrectly, leading to adverse reactions, missed diagnoses, or ineffective treatment.

Increased Risk of Self-Medication and Drug Abuse:

Easy access to OTC drugs in grocery stores could encourage self-diagnosis and misuse of medications, potentially leading to dependence and addiction.

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Proliferation of Spurious Drugs:

The lack of regulatory control in general stores could create opportunities for the sale of counterfeit or substandard drugs, jeopardizing public health.

Improper Storage and Expired Drugs:

Grocery stores may not have the necessary infrastructure or expertise to ensure proper storage conditions for drugs, potentially compromising their effectiveness and safety.

Delayed Access to Healthcare:

Reliance on OTC drugs for minor ailments might delay individuals from seeking professional medical attention for potentially serious conditions.

Weakened Pharmacovigilance:

Grocery stores may lack the systems for reporting adverse drug reactions, hindering efforts to monitor drug safety.

AIOCD’s Recommendations

The AIOCD emphasizes that India’s existing network of nearly 10 lakh retail chemists and 13.5 lakh pharmacists is sufficient to meet the population’s needs for OTC drugs.

The association urges the government to consider these concerns and involve all stakeholders in discussions before implementing any policy changes regarding OTC drug sales.

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.