Strict Measures Against Unregulated Antibiotic Sales: Odisha Drugs Controller Issues Warning

Bhubaneswar: In a decisive move to curb unregulated sales, Odisha Drugs Controller Ashok Kumar Patra has emphasized that antibiotics must not be sold without a valid medical prescription. Any violation of this directive will result in a show-cause notice being issued to the concerned druggist or chemist, and further actions may be taken under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, including the suspension of the medicine store’s license.

Patra clarified that the Central government has mandated medical practitioners to specify the reason when prescribing antibiotics to patients. This is a crucial step to ensure responsible and appropriate use of antibiotics and address the rising global concern of antibiotic resistance.

Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, Schedule H lists 551 drugs, while Schedule H1 specifies 47 antibiotic drugs. The sale of drugs mentioned in Schedule H1 requires recording in a separate register. Any violation of this rule will prompt a show-cause notice to the concerned druggist or chemist. While some medicines can be sold without a prescription, Drugs Inspectors are actively monitoring such instances.

Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohapatra, Director of Health Services, Odisha, echoed the need for appropriate antibiotic use and emphasized the importance of clear reasons for prescribing antibiotics. The global surge in antibiotic resistance poses a significant threat, and responsible prescription practices are essential. Dr. Mohapatra urged doctors to mention the reason for prescribing antibiotics on the prescription, underscoring that no medicine should be sold without a valid prescription to regulate the use of antibiotics effectively and mitigate threats like Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).