New tabs proposed to control misuse of antibiotic drugs

Soon physicians may have to issue two copies of prescription for antibiotic medicines one which will be kept by the chemist selling the drug.

This is one of the measures proposed by the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC) to streamline the increasing misuse of antibiotics as well as to curb the ongoing practice of selling antibiotic medicines without prescriptions.

The DCC is a statutory body under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act with an objective to provide advice regarding uniform implementation of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and its associated rules throughout the country

This measure was recently proposed during a sub-committee meeting of the DCC held on January 28 at Gandhinagar and during the committee meet held on February 15 at New Delhi.

The measure has been proposed in the form of a draft policy by DCC in connection with the recent revelations by a high level panel of experts about an alarming rise in misuse of antibiotics in the country. The panel had further said that the rampant misuse of antibiotics had led to the diseases developing a resistance to antibiotics.

Food and drug commissioner of state, HG Koshia, said the proposed measure would help tighten implementation of the existing norm of not selling antibiotic drugs without prescriptions.

"Documentation will also make doctors more cautious in prescribing antibiotic drugs," he said.

These proposed measures must come into effect as early as possible, say medical experts.  "Documenting the use of antibiotic medicines is extremely necessary. Such measures should be put into effect immediately," said Dr Pragnesh Vachchrajani, secretary for Gujarat State Family Physicians' Forum and vice-president, Ahmedabad Medical Association.

Although issuing two copies of prescriptions would increase paperwork for the physicians, it would certainly help curb the dangerous practice, he said.

Under the proposed policy, the chemist will have to preserve the records of sale of antibiotic medicines for the following two years.

An annual audit on sale of antibiotic drugs will also become mandatory during which copies of prescriptions will be meticulously scrutinised, informed the officials.

"The chemists who fail to provide the copy of prescriptions during the audit, will have to face legal proceedings under the Drug and Cosmetic Act which may include cancellation of license," said Koshia.