Question : MORPHINE FOR PATIENTS



(a) whether the Government proposes to permit the use of morphine as per the doctors prescription for relieving patients of cancer and other fatal diseases of the crippling pain;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister


THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) to (c): Morphine, a narcotic drug, is an analgesic to provide palliative care to patients suffering from cancer and other intractable pain.The Directorate General Health Services has informed that Morphine can be prescribed by the doctors for relieving patients from the crippling pain.Government has taken various steps to ensure easy availability of Morphine in the country to meet the requirement of patients suffering from pain in terminal stages of Cancer. Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 has been amended to exempt pain and palliative care centres approved by State Licencing Authority from the requirement of sale license to stock and supply Morphine formulations.