Health Authorities Crack Down on OTC Sale of Antibiotics, NRx Drugs in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: Health authorities have issued stern warnings to chemists in the city against dispensing NRx drugs and antibiotics without valid prescriptions, a practice that is illegal and contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
According to a recent report in The Hindu, regulators stressed that Schedule H, H1, and other prescription-only categories must not be sold over the counter. Chemists found violating these rules are liable to action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The Hindu reports that misuse of antibiotics is common in Visakhapatnam, with customers often requesting them directly from pharmacies without visiting a doctor. Officials have urged strict enforcement of rules and called upon pharmacy owners to maintain prescription records, refuse sales without prescriptions, and cooperate during inspections.
Enforcement agencies noted that failure to comply not only breaks regulatory norms but also poses serious public health risks in view of rising drug-resistant infections.
