17-05-2025
Chemists' org warns against Centre's plan to expand OTC drug list
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Shillong: The
All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists
has cautioned against the Centre's proposal to classify more medicines as over-the-counter (OTC) products, maintaining that this would have harmful effects on the health of the people.
In a statement issued on Friday, the
Meghalaya Healthcare Association
, which is a unit of the AIOCD, cautioned the potentially dangerous consequences of this move and pointed out that medicines, even those used routinely, require expert supervision to avoid harmful effects.
"Paracetamol is widely used as a pain reliever, but an overdose can cause serious liver and kidney damage," David Kharsati, president of the Association said in the statement and also highlighted the risks of diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory drug available in potassium and sodium forms.
"These two variants must be prescribed carefully, especially for patients with blood pressure issues. Interchanging them without proper guidance can worsen the condition," he said. He added while the govt may aim to simplify access, expanding the OTC list could disrupt the existing supply chain and lead to confusion among consumers.
The AIOCD, which represents around 12.5 lakh chemists across India, also raised concerns about the growing financial strain on local pharmacies and cited the rise of online pharmacies and govt-supported schemes like Jan Aushadhi and Dawa India as major factors behind declining business margins.
