DAK for ban on sale of hydroxychloroquine without prescription

DAK for ban on sale of hydroxychloroquine without prescription

Srinagar Mar 24: Following approval of arthritis drug, hydroxychloroquine for treatment and prophylaxis of Covid- 19, Doctors Association Kashmir ( DAK) on Tuesday called for ban on sale of the drug without valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. “ Chemist shops should refrain from selling the drug without doctor’s prescription,” said DAK President, Dr Nisar ul Hassan. “ The arthritis drug that has been found to be effective against the novel Coronavirus falls under the schedule H of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, which means it can be sold only under prescription,” he said. “ However, regulations for pharmacies are lax and violations are rampant. The drug is sold widely over the counter without prescription.” He said after the reports that hydroxychloroquine cures the new virus people were rushing to pharmacies and hoarding the drug. “ I urge people not to go and find the drug, because they will be taking it out of the hands of those who need it most,” he said. Dr Hassan said ICMR has recommended hydroxychloroquine as preventive medication for healthcare workers involved in care of suspected or confirmed cases of Coronavirus and for household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases. Source:Greater Kashmir