Chemists in Pb to be under scanner of drug inspectors

Punjab government today directed the drugs regulators to ensure the implementation of 'Drugs and Magic Remedies (Prohibition of Objectionable Advertisement) Act' in the state, an official spokesperson said.
It has also directed the regulators to initiate a special campaign to weed out any objectionable advertisement with respect to misleading claims of the drugs displayed on prominent public places, he said.
Hussan Lal, Secretary Health cum Commissioner, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) said this here while presiding over meeting of State Drugs Advisory Committee, he said.
Lal directed the officials to make sure that no objectionable material is highlighted in either print media or electronic media through advertisements or any promotional messages.

He also sought forceful implementation of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Prohibition of Objectionable Advertisement) Act in the state.
The drugs regulatory officers were also directed to launch the mass campaign with immediate effect and to submit their progress report till December 31, 2014 and to effectively deal with the violators.

Tightening the grip on the chemists indulged in trading of habit-forming drugs, Lal said that no leniency in this matter would be tolerated by the government.
The drugs inspectors were asked to fast-track the checking of the chemists to ensure that no person shall indulge in unethical trade of habit-forming drugs and further to ensure attendance of registered pharmacist on the retail sale shops.

He also directed the drug inspectors to verify the compliance of cold chain maintenance in the supply chain of thermolabile drugs.
Thermolabile refers to a substance which is subject to destruction or decomposition or change in response to heat.
"Whosoever found not maintaining the cold chain; 'such licensees' shall not be allowed to stock such drugs under the currency of their licences and shall be de-barred to stock such drugs," he said.
Lal further said that the zonal licensing authorities have been asked to initiate strict action against the retail sale chemists where the pharmacist remains absent.