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 The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) has reiterated its commitment to promoting responsible pharmacy practices, stressing the critical role of pharmacists in ensuring the safe and rational use of medicines. The association has raised concerns over the growing threat of drug misuse and antimicrobial resistance, urging stakeholders to adopt stricter compliance with regulations and increase public awareness. It emphasized that collective efforts from healthcare professionals, regulators, and the community are essential to safeguard society and preserve the effectiveness of life-saving drugs.
Under its ongoing public health initiative “BDCDA Mission Drug Free Karnataka,” the Association is going all out for responsible pharmacy practices and safeguarding society from the growing threat of drug misuse and antimicrobial resistance.
In alignment with the national mission of ‘Nasha Mukth Bharat,’ (Drug-Free India) and the objectives of NCORD (Narcotics Coordination Centre), which focuses on tracking drug trafficking, strengthening de-addiction and rehabilitation efforts, and enhancing anti-drug abuse awareness, BDCDA continues to actively engage with pharmacists and the public, said B Thirunavukkarasu, president, BDCDA.
To this end, there are public support helplines: MANAS (24x7): 1933, ERSS/Namma 112 and the BDCDA Helpline: 6362635250.
The reality is that there is a rising Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), growing drug abuse and dependency trends, misuse of codeine-based cough syrups and diversion and misuse of Schedule H, H1, and X drugs, including those regulated under the NDPS Act, he added.
To strengthen awareness and ensure adherence to legal provisions, joint inspection and awareness drives are being conducted at retail medical stores by district drug control authorities, police officials and the Karnataka FDA, noted Thirunavukkarasu.
As a responsible pharmacy association, we have issued guidance to retail pharmacists on strict adherence to display the FDA caution poster (A3 size) prominently for public visibility. There is need to maintain Schedule H & H1 registers accurately and regularly for drugs dispensed under this category.
In addition, there is need to display photographs of the owner and registered pharmacists along with the drug licence as mandated. There is need to ensure that registered pharmacist wears a white apron with name and registration number. The purchase and sale invoices need to be arranged in proper chronological order. All prescriptions need to have the ‘Dispensed’ stamp on prescriptions wherever applicable. The inspection books needs to retained at all outlets.
From a perspective of good storage practices, pharmacies need to ensure that refrigeration facilities are functional for temperature-sensitive medicines. The premises should be clean and hygienic at all times. The Tapentadol stock, purchase, and sales details daily on the XLN portal needs to be updated.
These practices are not only regulatory requirements but also essential safeguards to ensure ethical dispensing, patient safety, and the integrity of the pharmacy profession, said Thirunavukkarasu adding that pharmacists who consistently follow these norms uphold the highest standards of the profession. Their commitment reflects both professional integrity and responsible citizenship, contributing meaningfully to a healthier and safer society.
In a scenario where drug misuse and antimicrobial resistance prevail, BDCDA has urged all its stakeholders to remain vigilant, compliant, and united in the collective mission to combat drug abuse and protect public health, said Thirunavukkarasu.
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