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Kohima, February 16 (MExN): The Drugs Control Administration, under the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland, “in the interest of public health safety and compliance of mandatory legal provision,” has issued a public advisory outlining essential safety measures for purchasing and consuming medicines.
The advisory mandates that citizens must collect cash memo/credit memo for all medicine purchased as it is a legal documents for further investigation. It advises purchasing medicine only from pharmacies with valid Drugs License and thus verify its validity through third party verification in ONDLS portal.
Consumers have been urged to buy from Pharmacy where the medicines are dispensed by Registered Pharmacist who will be in uniform (white coat/ apron) with name tag and registration number.
To report any Adverse Drug Reactions or serious side effects, the public can utilize the toll-free number 1800 180 3024. Additionally, any side effects or instances of medicines having reduced or no effect should be reported to the District Drugs Control Administration unit located at the office of the Chief Medical Officer, enabling necessary investigations to be initiated.
The advisory emphasizes the importance of checking critical information on drug packages, including the brand and generic names, manufacturer's name and address, batch number, manufacturing and expiry dates.
It explicitly cautioned, ‘NEVER USE EXPIRED MEDICINES,’ and advises to store medicines as per the direction given in the cover, label etc. for better therapeutic action.
Furthermore, the public has been reminded that a prescription from a Registered Medical Practitioner is a mandatory legal document for the possession of drugs classified under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules. “Never purchase such medicines without prescription or consultation with Physician. Such medicines are dangerous for health if not used properly,” the advisory stated.
