Illegal Sale of Prescription Drugs by Night Pharmacies in Kerala

Growing Concerns Over Night Pharmacies in Kerala

The Kerala State Pharmacy Council has issued serious warnings regarding the illegal sale of prescription drugs, particularly from night pharmacies that are bypassing legal protocols to dispense narcotic medications. This practice raises significant concerns due to the risks associated with drug abuse and the potential misuse of medications designed for pain management or anxiety treatments.

Issues with Regulation

According to council president O C Naveen Chand, these questionable sales often happen during night hours when the pharmacist's responsibilities are handed over to sales assistants, many of whom lack the necessary training and knowledge of legal requirements. The regulations mandate that drugs should only be dispensed under a registered pharmacist's supervision, a rule that is evidently being neglected.

Call for Action and Improvement

A N Mohan, state president of the All Kerala Chemists and Druggists Association (AKCDA), acknowledged that while most pharmacies follow rules, there are outliers that compromise on regulations for profit. He emphasized the need for a review of the pharmacy licensing process to prevent improper approvals.

• Challenges in Enforcement: The drugs control department is managing a vast number of pharmacies with limited resources, making enforcement difficult.
• Public Health Risk: The sale of antibiotics classified under Schedule H and H1 is also prevalent, contributing to the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance.

The council insists that pharmacies must ensure prescriptions are current, and the daily practices of documentation should be standardized to curb these issues. Efforts are ongoing to combat the unnecessary dispensing of drugs and protect public health.