Lok Sabha Question No. 2016 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-12-06
Subject: Sale of Narcotic Medicines
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Dr. Amar Singh

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2016 TO BE ANSWERED ON 06 TH DECEMBER, 2024

## SALE OF NARCOTIC MEDICINES

## 2016: DR. AMAR SINGH:

Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken note that some pharmacies, particularly those operating at night, are selling narcotic medicines without valid prescriptions, creating a risk of abuse;

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) the preventive steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government keeping in mind that the narcotic prescription drugs, often used for pain management or anxiety treatment, can also be misused for recreational purposes?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. ANUPRIYAPATEL)

(a) & (b): Licenses for sale and distribution of the drugs are granted by State Licensing Authorities appointed by respective State Governments. State Licensing Authorities are empowered to take action against any violations of the conditions of license.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has not received any specific complaint on the sale of the narcotics medicines at night without prescription. However, isolated complaints are received time to time on the sale of prescription drugs without prescription and the same are forwarded to the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) concerned for appropriate action.

- (c): CDSCO and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have taken following regulatory measures to prevent the misuse of Narcotic drugs and Psychotropic substances (NDPS) in the country:-
- (i). All narcotic drugs listed under NDPS Act, 1985 and certain habit forming drugs are regulated as prescription drugs under the provisions applicable of the Drugs Rule, 1945 which mandates that such drugs are to be sold in retail against a valid prescription from registered medical practitioner (RMP) only.
- (ii). The State Drugs Controllers/other stake holders have been sensitized about concerns regarding sale of prescription drugs by retail without prescription of Registered Medical Practitioners. Various Notices/Advisories/Letters have been issued to State

Drugs Controllers and other stake holders for strict compliance of the requirements of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules.

- (iii). Further, the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) under Ministry of Home Affairs have taken following measures to curb drug menace in the country:
- (a) Visit of NCB representatives to schools for conducting awareness programmes, making the vulnerable classes of society aware of the abuse of narcotic drugs and its ill effects. (b) Awareness against drug use through NCB Facebook page and Twitter Handle: to inform the public/students about the ill effects of drug abuse and drug trafficking. (c) NCB organizes International Day against Drugs Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on 26th June every year in all field units of NCB to spread awareness among the general public/students about the ill effects of drug abuse and drug trafficking. (d) Rallies, Dramas are conducted regularly in association with NGOs to spread awareness programs in educational institutions all over the country. (e) SMS alerts of Drug Awareness are flashed through mobile service providers on special occasions to general public. (f) Workshops and Seminars are organized in coordination with various
- Government agencies and NGOs in the country to sensitize about the ill effects of drug abuse and trafficking

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