Nov 11, 2024
The department conducts raids on pharmacies showing unusually high sales and inspects the outlets. So far, 470 pharmacies have been raided. While action has been taken against 73 of them, 10 have been shut down, and their permits have been revoked.
Dr Umesh S, drugs controller of the Karnataka Drug Control Department, stated, “We received several complaints from the police department and have strictly instructed all pharmacies not to sell painkiller tablets without a prescription. We are closely monitoring their purchase and sale.”
Ramesh, a retired officer from the drug control department, remarked, “Earlier, addicts preferred Tramadol tablets, followed by Diclofenac. Now, Tempetedol tablets are in high demand among addicts. When one tablet is controlled, they switch to similar tablets from other manufacturers. The Union government must implement stricter regulations.”
Ravish R, a drug control officer, noted, “A patient might have purchased 100 painkiller tablets within a month. When sales increase, the department monitors the situation. By tracking sales details, locations, and outlets, more than 50% of the unauthorized use of painkillers has been curbed.”
Karnataka has a total of 53,000 pharmacies, with a significant 25,600 located in Bengaluru.
Source: Daiji World