No pharmacist, no sale: Kerala Pharmacy Council moves to curb misuse of prescription drug and painkillers

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Pharmacy Council is preparing to tighten enforcement of the rule requiring registered pharmacists to be present at medical shops throughout their operating hours, amid concerns over the misuse of medicines, including painkillers, for intoxicating purposes.

The council’s move comes amid intensified inspections under Operation Thoofan to curb the sale of narcotic substances. Despite the checks, the council has found that painkillers and certain medicines used in psychiatric treatment are being purchased and used without prescriptions. According to the council, such sales are taking place at medical shops during hours when pharmacists are not present.

The council had previously brought the issue to the attention of the Health Department and other authorities during the tenure of the previous government. It now plans to raise the matter with the present government and seek stricter State-level action.

Two pharmacists for shops operating beyond eight hours

Pharmacists currently work eight-hour shifts. Since most medical shops do not have pharmacists on duty beyond that period, the council has proposed that shops operating for more than eight hours should have two pharmacists.

The council said increasing the number of pharmacists on duty would also help ensure the proper use of antibiotics and curb health problems arising from the excessive use of medicines.

No shortage of pharmacists

“There are enough pharmacists in the State to meet the requirements of the pharmaceutical distribution sector. Their services can be utilised. The Pharmacy Council has 1.10 lakh registered pharmacists, of whom 50,000 are available to work in Kerala,” said O.C. Naveenchand, president of the Kerala Pharmacy Council.