With a view to streamline the community pharmacy practice in Nagaland, the State Drugs Control Administration, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, has issued the directives to all the licensees for strict compliance within the stipulated time.
In a notice, the additional drugs controller, Controlling & Licensing Authority, WH Patton, notified that full time registered pharmacist to operate pharmacy be appointed as required under Rule 65 (2) of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 and Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948 within three months.
Reminding that there was no provision under Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules for sale or renting of drug license, the drug control authority has stated that it was illegal to sell or lease Drug License. Therefore, all drug license on loan/rent be revert back to the proper owner of the license and apply for fresh license within three months.
Under the provision of Drugs & Cosmetics Ad and Rules and the Pharmacy Act, the prescribed duty of a pharmacist is to sell and dispense medicines against prescription.
The drugs control authority said the practice of diagnosis and treatment in the pharmacy by the pharmacist was therefore illegal and liable for prosecution. It has notified that all such illegal practices be stopped immediately.
In the event of failure to comply with the directives, the drugs control authority warned of initiating stern legal action against the defaulters.