Question : HANDLING OF MEDICINES BY UNQUALIFIED PERSONS



(a) wehther it is fact that medicines are being handled by the unqualified persons other than the pharmacists without pharmacy knowledge;

(b) if so, the facts thereof;

(c) whether it is also a fact that the Standing Committee on Chemcials & Fertilizers is also advocating the entrance of unqualified persons into the handling of medicines on the pretext of opening up of job opportunities to the eduated unemployed;

(d) if so, whether the Union Government propose to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules to give way to the recommendations of the Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers;

(e) whether the Union Government have received any representation on this issue from the Pharmacy Council;

(f) if so, the details thereof; and

g) the remedial measures being taken by the Government in this regard?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS(DR. CHHATTRA PAL SINGH)

(a) & (b) : Under the provision of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, sale of drugs is required to be supervised by registered Pharmacists.

(c) &(d) : The Standing Committee on Petroleum & Chemicals (2001)(13th Lok Sabha) in its 15th Report on `pricing and availability of drugs/ pharmaceuticals`, has recommended for distribution of drugs through Public Distribution Scheme and to remove the requirement of registered Pharmacist. However, there is no such proposal to amend the rules.

(e) & (f) : Yes, Sir. The Pharmacy Council of India had represented against any such move to allow sale/distribution of drugs without registered Pharmacists.

(g) : Does not arise in view of (c) & (d) above.