It is too Early to assess effect of these rules, but following problems have become visible.
1) Chemists have stopped selling these drugs altogether.
2) The rules say that before selling this drug, they will keep a) photocopy of prescription b) address of doctor and patient c) and a register of such details for three years. In three years anytime a drug inspector can come and ask to see these register.
3) The list of 46 drugs contains names of common but habit forming sleep medicines and common antibiotics.
4) If a patient will go to psychiatrist for prescribing sleep medicine, he may charge Rs.800/- to Rs.1000/- and may prescribe quantity for one week. Costly for many patients. A physician will charge about Rs.300/- to 400/- for prescribing common antibiotics for a week.
5) People may be tempted to buy such drugs in blackmarket or by going to a chemist on boarder of Delhi.
The intention of law is good. The rules framing body must have considered everything. But it is to be seen how this law works for people.
Disclaimer; This article is based on general impressions. For actual and meticulous requirement, please see and check the actual rules.
Haresh Raichura
1240
