Karnataka Drugs Controller issues circular

Bengaluru: To stall malpractices of submitting false affidavit and fake certificates by pharmacists for seeking licenses to set up medical stores, the Karnataka Drugs Controller, On Apr. 29, has issued a circular stating that registered pharmacists should refrain from taking up two jobs with one pharmacy certificate.

According to Karnataka Drugs Controller B.T. Khanapure, the move would bring upright practices in the pharmacy trade business. 

There are several instances reported by the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council that renewal of registrations by registered pharmacists was not coming through.  Pharmacists were found being employed in dual places. Their certificates were sold to the proprietor of medical stores to set up pharmacy outlets and these were submitted to the State Licensing Authority for seeking sale licenses.

Keeping a close watch on the prevailing unprofessional conduct of pharmacists in the State, Karnataka State Registered Pharmacists’ Organisation (KSRPO) has now come down heavily on the practice of registered pharmacists illegally doing dual jobs. Pharmacists are also seen to not renew their registration. Further, pharmacy outlets are seen to dispense medicines in the absence of a registered pharmacist.

Lauding the move by the Karnataka Drugs Controller,  KSRPO President Ashokswamy Heroor said that there should be no room for such violations which are rampant in many parts of the State.

Heroor, who has written a letter to the State Government has stated that repeated reminders highlighting the professional ethics breach was brought to the notice of the Government and the State Drugs Control Department.

The letter highlighted Rule 65 (1), (2) and (3) of The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, which prescribe that the supply of any drug, on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner should be effected under the direct and personal supervision of a registered pharmacist only and even sale bills should bear the signature of the registered pharmacist as per Rule 65 (3) (g) ; 65 (21) (g) (x).

Many Medical shops are operational without registered pharmacists. It was found on several occasions that pharmacists, on whose name the license was granted, are working elsewhere at Pharmacy Colleges or in a Government or Semi-Government Hospital Pharmacy outlet. At times they were employed as medical representatives.

Karnataka State Pharmacy Council had issued notice to such pharmacists bringing the same to the notice of the Karnataka Drugs Control Department and such offences have been brought to the notice of the Drugs Controller, who has now issued a warning order which should instill fear among the violators, Heroor said.