Druggist association opposes Centre’s move to sell over-the-counter medicines without license

Subject: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

The Central Government’s proposal to permit the sale of Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs without a license in India is a cause of deep concern, warned the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD).

More on news:

Such a move would contravene existing drug laws, pharmacy regulations, and pertinent legal frameworks, including directives from the Supreme Court.

About this Centre’s move:

Allowing OTC drug sales without proper regulation poses serious threats, including drug abuse, increased risk of adverse drug reaction, delayed access to healthcare, possible compromise in storage of medicines etc.
The absence of pharmacist consultation services, proliferation of counterfeit drugs, delayed access to healthcare services and inadequate pharmacovigilance measures are also cause of concern.
The group has also urged the government to consider the multifaceted implications of this proposal, emphasizing that unregulated availability of medications in general and grocery stores does not serve the best interests of society.

About Over-The-Counter (OTC) drugs:

OTC treats common, self-treated medical problems and symptoms like colds, mild discomfort, allergies, and other benign health issues.
The Union Government has proposed to bring OTC medications into India through an amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations and permit their retail market sales without the need for a prescription.
A list of OTC medicines which are permitted to be sold in shops will be authorized by the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and could include drugs like — antifungal creams, cough syrup, laxatives etc.