Punjab chemists body announce halt to sale of habit-forming drugs amid anti-drug crackdown
PTC News Desk: The Punjab Chemist Association announced that they will stop sale of habit-forming drugs citing alleged harassment by state authorities in anti-drug crackdown following the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa.
The decision is expected to affect more than 27,000 medical stores across the state. Patients who rely on medicines for joint pain, neurological problems, depression, diabetes and paralysis may face difficulties obtaining their prescribed treatment.
Medical store owners have decided to return stocks of medicines such as pregabalin and tramadol to suppliers and not order fresh supplies.
Medical Association warns Punjab government
The medical association has issued a warning to the Punjab government and state administration over police action against medical stores.
Sanjeev Chaudhary said all chemists should not be held responsible for the mistakes of a few individuals. He questioned the police raids and alleged threats of action against medical store owners.
The association also raised concerns over police conducting raids at medical stores instead of drug inspectors and alleged that cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act were being registered unfairly.
However, the association said it supported action against those who violate the rules governing the sale of medicines. The announcement could affect patients who depend on these medicines, although the extent of the disruption will depend on the availability of alternative treatments and advice from healthcare professionals.
Registered chemists are legally allowed to sell these medicines if customers present a valid physical prescription. However, the association alleges that authorities are penalising chemists over mistakes or differences in their records and bills, even when they have not committed any wrongdoing.
The announcement comes after the Punjab Food and Drug Administration (FDA) stepped up raids on medical stores across the state amid concerns over the misuse and illegal sale of habit-forming medicines, including pregabalin and other psychotropic drugs.
- PTC NEWS
