Schedule H drugs still sold without prescription: Activists

Stating that over 200 cases were registered against medical shops for violating the law last year, Siva Balan, director of Drug Control, government of Tamil Nadu, said, “The offenders are charged under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and are usually asked to pay a fine of Rs 20,000.” 

Surprise checks are conducted by the inspectors in every pharmacy at least twice a year, however, small shops go under the radar at times. “If we receive a complaint, we immediately inspect the shop and take necessary action under Section 27 (d) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which specifies a punishment of imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than one year, but which may extend to two years,” he stated. 

Over 500 drugs have been listed under Schedule H drugs, which according to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules cannot be purchased Over the Counter (OTC). However, many pharmacies seem to show no interest in following the same. 

“My father stopped at a pharmacy in Guindy on his way back home when he realised he needed insulin. The pharmacist immediately gave him the required Human Insulin 30/70 without any prescription,” stated Maria K, a resident of  Anna Nagar. Stating that such cases are on the rise, activists said that the Drug Control inspectors are also at fault. 

“What is the point accusing the pharmacist alone when the laws are not stringent enough? Even if they are taken to court, the case dies out. Hence pharmacists do not fear the inspectors and continue to flout the rules,” exclaimed Anita K, a health activist, adding that when officials in charge fail to notice violations, they too face stringent action.