Kohima: In a decisive move to combat the misuse of potent pharmaceuticals, Kohima’s Deputy Commissioner B. Henok Buchem has issued a stringent directive, reinforcing the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.
This order, building upon previous regulations from April 2023, is set to impose rigorous controls on the distribution of Schedule ‘X’, ‘H’, and ‘H1’ drugs throughout the district.
The core of the new guidelines mandates that these controlled substances can only be dispensed based on a legitimate prescription from a registered medical professional, limiting sales to the prescribed quantity.
Furthermore, pharmacies are now required to maintain meticulous records of each transaction, detailing the prescriber, patient, drug type, and quantity. These records must be preserved for a minimum of three years and made accessible for official scrutiny.
Adding a layer of technological oversight, the order stipulates that the District Drug Controller Authority, in conjunction with the District Enforcement Force, will conduct regular inspections of the preceding two months’ CCTV footage.
This measure aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) Joint Action Plan, aiming to prevent potential misuse and protect vulnerable populations.
The administration has issued a stern warning, stating that any deviation from these directives will result in stringent legal penalties. Violators will face repercussions under Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS), Section 28A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and other relevant statutes. The Deputy Commissioner has implored all pharmacies and medical establishments within Kohima to adhere strictly to these regulations, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding public health and curbing drug misuse.
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