The Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) has asked the Karnataka State Registered Pharmacists Association (KSRPO) to implement some policies of the Drugs Act in Karnataka.
A letter, issued by Somnath Basu, Assistant Drug Controller of India, requested the association to implement some policies of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 which include a ban on physician samples and gifts as well as states that drug dispensation should be only allowed to registered pharmacists so that Drugs Act conforms with the Pharmacy Act.
The above action is taken based on the grievances received by the CDSCO and the matter is examined in the concerned division at the office. As per the current provision of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rule 1945, the supply of any drug is done by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist based on the prescription of the Registered Medical Practitioners (RMP). And the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and the Rules are considered for revision/amendment on a need basis to ensure the quality of drugs manufactured/marketed in the country.
Ashokswamy Heroor, President of Karnataka State Registered Pharmacists Association expressed, “In the state of Karnataka it is reported that medical representatives are visiting quack (fake) practitioners and AYUSH doctors, and giving bulk allopathy physician samples to them, which is encouraging illegal medical practice in the state.”
“These quacks and AYUSH practitioners are dispensing those free physician samples to patients at a cost and collecting money. Therefore, drugs department officials must check whether quacks and AYUSH practitioners in hospitals are selling allopathy drugs or prescribing the same drugs as per law. Based on the instructions received by the authority, we are initiating a step to curb such practices in the state.”