Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken any steps during 2014-2018 to curb overthe- counter sale of Schedule H1 drugs of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in violation of the law;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the details of steps proposed to curb Antimicrobial Resistance due to unchecked over-the-counter sales of Schedule H1 drugs?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b): The manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs in the country are regulated under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 thereunder through a system of licensing and inspection. Licenses for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs are granted by the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) appointed by respective State Governments. Licensees are required to comply with all the conditions of license. Adequate provisions exist to prevent misuse and over-the-counter sale of Schedule H1 drugs and the said drugs specified in Schedule cannot be sold except on and in accordance with the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP). SLAs are legally empowered to take stringent action against violation of any provision of the Act and Rules.
In order to prevent the misuse of drugs in animals, the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries has, on 03.06.2014, issued directions to all the States/UTs for the judicious use of antibiotics and hormones for the treatment of ailing food producing animals and also that use of antibiotics and hormones in animal feed should also be stopped.
Subsequently, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has also issued an advisory to all States/UTs that the use of antibiotics and hormones in animal feed should also be stopped.
(c): Under Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) containment programme, various awareness campaigns have been conducted by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to create awareness on AMR and hazard of self-medication and over-the-counter sale of Schedule H1 drugs. These include:
? Disseminating information through Newspaper advertisements
? Organizing community events like Health Melas, Public conclaves on AMR
? Organising Poster competitions focusing on AMR for school and college students
? Organizing Quiz programmes on AMR for the general Public
? Organizing trainings and lectures for Medical graduates, Nurses, pharmacists on the issue.