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| No regulation of drug stores in JK | | |
Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
srinagar, Dec 3: Despite directives by government, there is least regulation of drug stores in Jammu and Kashmir.
Authorities at Drug and Food Control Organization Kashmir have written to assistant drug controllers no to issue any new drug licence in the Valley.
"In view of the increased no of pharmaceutical agencies/ wholesale drug distributors in Kashmir valley, no application for issuance of fresh licenses shall be entertained," an order reads.
"All the assistant drug controllers of Kashmir division are hereby requested to direct the drug control officers to conduct intensive inspections of the wholesale distributors and report non-existing drug sale establishments in their respective jurisdictions and also expedite the wholesale retention cases in order to facilitate this office to ascertain exact number of existing whole sale premises," the order reads.
However sources said there is least regulation of existing drug stores in Jammu and Kashmir.
An official at the office of Drug and Food Control Organisation said there are complaints that several drugs available on drug stores are being misused in Jammu and Kashmir.
"There are some drugs which can't be given without the doctors' prescription letter. But still some drug stores are selling these drugs," the official said.
The official said that authorities have directed concerned officials to regulate the working of drug stores. "There are some drug addicts who don't consume heroin and opium but taking drugs from drug stores and is equally dangerous," the official said.
Despite that the official said authorities are not any making efforts to stop misusing of drugs.
Drug trafficking and rampant substance abuse especially among youth has become one of JK's most significant challenges.
The official said first-ever drug de-addiction policy, which was framed last year has also impressed upon regulation of drug centres. As per the draft of the policy, drug addiction is "widespread, fast-rising and is quickly taking the form of an epidemic" in the state.
A doctor at SMHS Hospital said that a lot of patients who are being treated at its Drug-De-Addiction Centre had consumed drugs available on drug centres.
He said over 6400 drug abusers were registered for treatment in Outdoor Patient Department during 2018. |
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