DIMAPUR, JANUARY 30 (MExN): With a view to streamline the community pharmacy practice in Nagaland, the State Drugs Control Administration, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has issued a number of directives to all the licensees for strict compliance with the given stipulated time frame.
In a notification issued on Thursday, Additional Drugs Controller, Controlling & Licensing Authority, WH Patton has directed that appointment of full time registered pharmacist be made to operate pharmacy as required under Rule 65 (2) of Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 and Section 42 of the pharmacy Act, 1948 within 3 months from the date of publication of this notice.
It said there is no provision under Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules for sale or renting of drug license. As such, it is illegal to sell or lease drug license. Therefore all drug licenses on loan/rent have been directed to be reverted back to the proper owner of the license and apply for fresh license within 3 months.
Under the provision of Drugs & Cosmetic Act and Rules and the Pharmacy Act, the prescribed duty of a pharmacist is to sell and dispense medicines against prescription. The Authority therefore stated that the practice of diagnosis and treatment in the pharmacy by the pharmacist is illegal and liable for prosecution while adding that all such illegal practices should be stopped immediately.
In the event of failure to comply with the above directives, the Authority has cautioned of stern legal action against the defaulters.
