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All India Pharmacists Association (AIPA) has expressed its concern on the recent Karnataka government order permitting drug dispensing at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) or by a nurse under their supervision and maintenance of records by the pharmacy officers.
The state government in its recent order noted that as per the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules thereunder, dispensing of any medicines is under a qualified and registered pharmacist. However conditional exemption of personal supervision by a registered pharmacist for dispensing drugs is exempted under Rule 123 read with entry 5 of Schedule K which stated RMP is permitted to dispense drugs to his own patients either by himself or through a nurse without engaging the services of a pharmacist.
“We view this move as absurd. Pharmacists are qualified and registered candidates appointed to dispense medicines. They are responsible to verify dosage on medications prescribed by doctors. Besides, pharmacists educate patients on the prescription and advising about potential side effects of medication. Hence, we submit strong objections to implement this order under Schedule K of Drugs and Cosmetic Rules 1945,” said Dr BS Desai, founder and national president, AIPA.
The state government order stated that RMPs are also permitted to dispense drugs specified in Schedule C on the request of another RMP. Additionally, Rule 123 read with 23 of Schedule –K in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, states drugs supplied by multipurpose workers attached to the PHCs, nurses, Community Health Officers and Urban Family Welfare Centres are entitled to dispense the essential medicines under government family health welfare programmes and do not need the services of pharmacy officers.
The order noted that state health department needs to take cognizance on this and direct pharmacy officers to be deputed once or twice a week to the PHCs and government medical centres to ensure the proper storage of drugs.
Dr Desai in his communication said, “We know that there is an increase in demand for medical services leading to equal participation of all healthcare professionals. But it is the pharmacists only who have been extending their services in drug dispensing, prescription advice, counselling on disease condition with need for medication therapy, monitoring adverse drug reaction, among others.”
Even Section 29 deals with preparation and maintenance of a registered pharmacist in Karnataka State Pharmacy Council adhered under Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act. It mandates that no person other than a qualified and registered pharmacist should compound, prepare, mix or dispense any medicine on the prescription of a medical practitioner and whosoever contravenes will be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months are with fine, pointed out Dr Desai.
Based on this, we have made a fervent request and appeal to state government to assign drug dispensing duties only to qualified and registered pharmacists, said the AIPA national president Desai.
Also the task of pharmacy officer are carried out by other medical professionals is not right. Pharmacists are qualified and trained in drug dispensing, and keeping the wellness of patients their role is replaceable, said Dr Desai.
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