The Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association (KCDA) has urged the state FDA to clarify on the videography of pharmacy outlets by the licensing authority under its geo-tagging order.
In a communication to the additional drugs controller, KCDA general secretary AK Jeevan pointed out that the unexpected amendment to the circular refuting the usage of any personal mobile phones for videography and uploading the picture of the pharmacy outlets using the personal mobile of retail chemist in Karnataka as a mark of proof.
Now KCDA had explained the consequences of this move as an infringement of personal rights. To our surprise, we have received the circular to this effect which is amended where a revised communication was issued from the office of the Commissioner FDA. In the new instruction, the uploading of videography of the pharmacy outlet premises will be via the App and should be carried out by the retailer pharmacist and the mention of licensing authority which was indicated earlier is deleted, he said.
It is to be noted that the licensing authority is adequately empowered to check and take appropriate action against any fraudulent licensee by cancelling the license and prosecuting them in their jurisdictional courts. The Association needs the confidence of the regulatory authority and therefore there is a need to reply to the communication issued by KCDA, said Jeevan.
This matter is of serious concern and requires a proper reply from the state FDA lest we will have to resort to legal action. Instead of acting on unlicensed, illegal e:pharmacies who operate breaking rules of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, moves like making qualified and registered retail pharmacists to be accountable for taking videography of the premises is a harassing move. Therefore, we expect a response to this at the earliest, said Jeevan. |