DCC recommends amendment of Rules to curbing Antimicrobial Resistance

Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) has recommended amending the Drugs Rules to restrict the sale of antimicrobials to non-pharmaceutical industries.

The Health Master

September 23, 2024

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Last Updated on October 11, 2024 by The Health Master

DCC

DCC: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a growing public health crisis that threatens our ability to treat common infections.

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of superbugs, making it increasingly difficult to treat diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and urinary tract infections.

In a significant step towards combating this issue, the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC) has recommended amending the Drugs Rules to restrict the sale of antimicrobials to non-pharmaceutical industries.

The committee’s proposal aims to prevent the unnecessary use of these vital medications, which can contribute to the development of drug-resistant bacteria.

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The Current State of Affairs

Currently, the Drugs Rules allow for the sale of certain drugs to manufacturers of beverages, confectionery, and other non-medicinal products.

This exemption has led to concerns about the potential misuse of antimicrobials in these industries.

The DCC’s recommendation seeks to address this loophole by prohibiting the sale of antimicrobials to non-pharmaceutical industries unless they possess the necessary licenses.

This measure is expected to help curb the indiscriminate use of these medications, reducing the risk of AMR.

Read and Download minutes of all meetings of DCC

A Comprehensive Approach

In addition to restricting the sale of antimicrobials, the DCC has also proposed several other measures to combat AMR.

These include:

Uniform Implementation of Schedule H and H1 Drugs: Ensuring consistent enforcement of regulations for these drugs can help prevent their misuse.
Introduction of New Rules: Creating new regulations for the manufacturing of blue color strips for antimicrobials can enhance traceability and prevent counterfeiting.
Safe Disposal of Expired Antimicrobials: Implementing proper disposal practices can reduce the risk of these medications entering the environment and contributing to AMR.
Expansion of Track and Trace System: Expanding the scope of this system to cover more drugs can improve oversight and prevent the sale of counterfeit or substandard medications.
Quality Management System: Establishing guidelines for quality management systems can ensure that manufacturers adhere to high standards and produce safe, effective medications.
Enforcement Activities: Strengthening enforcement measures can deter violations of drug regulations and promote compliance.
Public Awareness: Raising awareness about AMR and the importance of responsible antibiotic use among healthcare professionals and the public can help reduce the overuse of these medications.

The DCC’s recommendations are a crucial step in the fight against AMR.

By implementing these measures, India can contribute to global efforts to address this pressing public health threat and protect the effectiveness of essential antibiotics for future generations.

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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