Whip cracked against illegal sale of Sched X, H1 Drugs

By Our Staff Reporter
Imphal, May 23 : The Directorate of Health Services and Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA) have decided to strictly monitor the sale of Schedule X  and Schedule H1 drugs and asked all the chemist shops to conform to drug laws while selling drugs.
Addressing a press briefing at MCDA office at Gambhir Singh Arcade, BT road today, Drug Inspector Yanglem Ronel said that widespread availability of heroin and illicit opium in Manipur and its  consequences on the society is known by all.
Saying that some people have also been abusing pharmaceutical drugs under Schedule X list such as codeine, ketamine and amphetamine, he added that there is a set of guidelines for selling pharmaceutical drugs including those under Schedule X and Schedule H1. Only the licensed wholesalers/retailers/pharmacies can sell the Schedule X and Schedule H1 drugs, Ronel said and added that a prescription from a doctor is needed to buy these drugs and those who take the drugs must maintain his/her profile/record as per the guidelines.
The Drug Inspector continued that the license of those wholesalers/retailers/pharmacies who sell the Schedule X and Schedule H1 drugs illegally will be cancelled apart from imprisoning them.
Appealing to all to respect drug laws and not sell the pharmaceutical drugs illegally, Ronel warned that defaulters will be penalised.
He said that he had also forwarded a letter to the Drug Controller over the matter.
Saying that the NDPS Act alone cannot stop drug abuse and illegal drug business, Ronel called for a formation of a joint committee of drug regulators, law enforcers and public to control illegal use of drugs.  
He said that they will start monitoring the wholesalers/retailers/pharmacies which have the license to sell Schedule X and Schedule H1 drugs
MCDA general secretary Thokchom Dijamani said that they are now afraid to sell or stock the live saving Schedule X and Schedule H1 drugs which are easily available to drug cartels.
Saying that some retailers and wholesalers have slandered the image of all retailers, wholesalers and pharmacies, he added that MCDA will stop supplying pharmaceutical drugs to the chemists who engage in illegal activities.