(a) whether a number of prescription drugs are being sold without
prescription over the counter (OTC) in pharmacies across the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of pharmacies/persons held for
such offences;
(c) whether the Government proposes to take any stringent measures to
control the same; and
(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) & (b): The regulatory control over the sale of drugs is exercised by
the drugs control authorities appointed by the State and Union Territory
Governments under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs & Cosmetics
Rules, 1945 made thereunder. The State and Union Territory Governments are
responsible for taking action as per the provisions of the said Act.
(c) & (d): The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 has been amended in the year
2008 to make more stringent provisions of penalties for offences under the
said Act. The State and Union Territory Governments have been asked to
strengthen their manpower as well as the infrastructure of their drug control
departments for having better vigilance over the sale of drugs in the country.