Bhubaneswar: In a significant step to regulate sale of medicines, the Odisha government has directed all pharmacies not to sell scheduled drugs, including antibiotics and cough syrups, without a valid prescription from doctor.
Several chemists in Bhubaneswar have already put up notices to inform customers about this new rule. Officials said the order covers antibiotics and cough syrups, which will no longer be available over the counter.
The move comes amid rising concerns following incidents in Madhya Pradesh, where some children reportedly died due to cough syrup consumption. In response, several states have already restricted the use of cough syrups for children under two years of age.
Notably, the Union Health Ministry has also issued advisories urging strict monitoring of the sale and usage of such medicines.
Despite previous warnings, it has come to light that people continue to buy medicines without prescriptions in different placed in Odisha including Bhubaneswar. Chemists also provide them medicines without doctors’ prescriptions.
Taking note of this, the state Health Department held a meeting on Monday to discuss stricter enforcement. Sources said the Directorate of Drugs Control will soon issue a detailed guideline on the matter. However, doubts remain over how effectively it will be implemented.
The issue of unregulated practices at pharmacies extends beyond medicine sales. There have been cases where injections were administered by shop owners without medical supervision.
This is not the first time the Directorate of Drugs Control has intervened. Three years ago, following the detection of counterfeit high blood pressure medicines in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, pharmacies were instructed to display posters listing contact numbers of local drug inspectors. However, the initiative gradually lost steam and normal practices resumed after a few months.