Gujarat: Stern Action Against Medicine Hoarders, Say Officials

AHMEDABAD, 23 MARCH 2020:

The state food and drugs control authority has issued a stern warning against those hoarding hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin, which viral social media messages claim are prophylactic (preventive) drugs against COVID-19. On Sunday, food and drugs commissioner H G Koshia asserted that these drugs cannot be sold without a prescription as they are Schedule H drug under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. "Stern action will be taken against any pharmacist or customers who try to hoard these medicines," Koshia said on Sunday.

"I have issued an order asking all drug stores, wholesalers and retailers, to keep a detailed account on whose prescriptions they are selling these two drugs. Surprise checks will be conducted." Sources in the state health department said that two major manufacturers of hydroxychloroquine in country are located in Gujarat and have a combined capacity of producing 7.4 crore tablets whenever the need arises. But a proper need assessment of the country will be carried out first, the sources said. ET Healthword