The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Chemists decide not to sell `narcotic' drugs

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 06, 2005

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Chemists decide not to sell `narcotic' drugs

By Dennis Marcus Mathew

HYDERABAD, FEB. 5. People with serious ailments and those requiring daily drug assistance are in for testing times with medical shops deciding to stop sale of several commonly used medicines, which are classified as narcotics under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The tough stance to be adopted by authorities on those failing to follow the cumbersome procedures involved in the sale of anti-psychotic, anti-depressant and anti-convulsant drugs has provoked the decision, taken at a national level meeting of All India Organisation of Druggists and Chemists held here recently.

Difficult times

As a result, drugs like Calmpose, Gardenal, Valium, Alzolam, Alprazolam and even Morphine, may soon be out of stock and make life miserable for patients of epilepsy, schizophrenia, cancer and those suffering from mild bouts of depression, to name a few. They are already facing shortage of drugs, some of which have to be taken daily.

The deadlock is expected to continue till the Government brings about an amendment to the provisions of the NDPS Act. Those stocking or selling these drug formulations are supposed to follow procedures, which druggists say are "very laborious".

Lengthy procedure

As per the Act, the medicine sellers have to fill up and retain for two years, copies of a form containing names of the supplier, particulars of the drug and details of the patients, and prescription copies. "Any contravention can throw us behind bars for up to 10 years. It involves lot of time-consuming documentation, causing difficulties to customers too," says a city chemist.

On the other hand, Drug Control Administration officials say illegal trafficking of narcotics is booming in the State. A recent crackdown revealed that a chemist had sold a huge stock of drugs containing narcotics to a person in Cuddapah. However, the Cuddapah address proved to be non-existent, throwing a shade over the deal.

In hit-list

These drugs could disappear from the medical halls. Calmpose, Valium, Alzolam, Alprazolam and Morphine Codeine (pain killer and cough suppressant), Chlordiazepoxide (for anxiety), Lorazepam, Nitrazepam and Oxazepam

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