Voice of concern raised over pharmacies sans valid licenses
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By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 25: Several pharmacy outlets are operating across Manipur without obtaining valid retail licenses issued by the State Drug Control Administration, the Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA), Manipur State has said, seeking attention of the Government authorities concerned for immediate and appropriate actions.
Apart from the outlets operating without valid licenses, there are also persons who are running pharmacy retail shops under wholesale drug license--which is a clear violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945, said the IPA in a statement.
Such unauthorized operations not only jeopardize public health but also violate the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 which mandate that all pharmacy outlets must be licensed and supervised by qualified Registered Pharmacists, it said.
"Our noble profession of pharmacy is being turned into a business by those who have no understanding of a pharmacist's true role. Pharmacy is not just a trade-it is a profession grounded in ethics and guided by the oath we take to serve humanity," said the IPA.
In light of the violations mentioned, the IPA said, it will soon begin a State-wide inspection with Drug Inspectors and awareness drives to identify and report unlawful pharmacies to the appropriate authorities.
This State-wide inspection aims to protect the health and rights of patients, uphold professional standards, and ensure legal compliance, it said.
It urged all individuals and institutions involved in the sale and distribution of medicines to strictly adhere to the legal norms, and appealed to the Government departments concerned to take strict action against violators as per the law.
It also urged all pharmacy outlets to honour the doctor's prescription and not change the prescribed brand of medicine without the consent of the doctor.
IMPHAL, Jul 25: Several pharmacy outlets are operating across Manipur without obtaining valid retail licenses issued by the State Drug Control Administration, the Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA), Manipur State has said, seeking attention of the Government authorities concerned for immediate and appropriate actions.
Apart from the outlets operating without valid licenses, there are also persons who are running pharmacy retail shops under wholesale drug license--which is a clear violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945, said the IPA in a statement.
Such unauthorized operations not only jeopardize public health but also violate the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 which mandate that all pharmacy outlets must be licensed and supervised by qualified Registered Pharmacists, it said.
"Our noble profession of pharmacy is being turned into a business by those who have no understanding of a pharmacist's true role. Pharmacy is not just a trade-it is a profession grounded in ethics and guided by the oath we take to serve humanity," said the IPA.
In light of the violations mentioned, the IPA said, it will soon begin a State-wide inspection with Drug Inspectors and awareness drives to identify and report unlawful pharmacies to the appropriate authorities.
This State-wide inspection aims to protect the health and rights of patients, uphold professional standards, and ensure legal compliance, it said.
It urged all individuals and institutions involved in the sale and distribution of medicines to strictly adhere to the legal norms, and appealed to the Government departments concerned to take strict action against violators as per the law.
It also urged all pharmacy outlets to honour the doctor's prescription and not change the prescribed brand of medicine without the consent of the doctor.