Authorities in Delhi initiate enforcement actions against the unauthorized sale of 'trance drug' Pregabalin over the counter.
In an effort to curb the illegal over-the-counter sale of Pregabalin, a prescription medication used to treat anxiety, epilepsy, and nerve pain, the Delhi government has initiated a series of measures. These include inspection drives, mandatory CCTV installation, and potential inclusion in the Schedule H1 list of drugs.
The Delhi Drug Control Department has been conducting inspections of both private pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the city. So far, 23 pharmacies have been inspected, with illegal sales particularly prevalent in areas like Munirka. Notices for license suspension are being issued to violators [1].
To prevent unauthorized sales, a mandatory CCTV installation advisory has been issued by the Delhi Drug Control Department. This move was decided under the 11th National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism [2].
The push to include Pregabalin formally in the Schedule H1 list of drugs, which would legally require pharmacists to maintain sale records and dispense it only against a doctor's prescription, was initiated by the Punjab government last year and is relevant to Delhi's regulatory approach as well [1].
The action by the drug control department comes after a report detailing the abuse of Pregabalin in Delhi was published by HT on August 8. The report found that the drug was readily available without a prescription at multiple Jan Aushadhi Kendras and private pharmacies [3].
In addition, an advisory will be issued to raise awareness about Pregabalin abuse. During inspections, some private pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi Kendras were found to be selling Pregabalin without a prescription [1].
It is worth noting that Pregabalin is marketed under brand names such as Lyrica, Alzain, and Axalid. The drug has been found to be abused as a "trance drug" by addicts, and its misuse is a growing concern, particularly in Punjab [4].
The official acknowledged challenges in checking Pregabalin's sales, particularly due to it not being listed under Schedule H1 [1]. However, the Delhi government is committed to addressing this issue and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of its citizens.
References:
[1] HT, (2022). Delhi drug control department starts inspecting pharmacies to check illegal sale of Pregabalin. [online] Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/delhi-drug-control-department-starts-inspecting-pharmacies-to-check-illegal-sale-of-pregabalin-101661515500525.html
[2] The Indian Express, (2022). Delhi drug control department issues advisory to pharmacies to install CCTV cameras. [online] Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/delhi-drug-control-department-issues-advisory-to-pharmacies-to-install-cctv-cameras-7985741/
[3] HT, (2022). Pregabalin, a prescription drug, being sold illegally in Delhi, says HT investigation. [online] Available at: https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/delhi-news/pregabalin-a-prescription-drug-being-sold-illegally-in-delhi-says-ht-investigation-101661531183025.html
[4] The Tribune, (2022). Pregabalin misuse a growing concern in Punjab. [online] Available at: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/punjab/pregabalin-misuse-a-growing-concern-in-punjab-1023608
- In light of the growing concern over Pregabalin misuse, especially in Punjab, the Delhi government has initiated a series of measures to curb the illegal over-the-counter sale of this prescription medication.
- To ensure the safety and wellbeing of its citizens, the Delhi government has conducted inspections of both private pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi Kendras across the city, with 23 pharmacies inspected so far.
- In addition to these inspections, the Delhi Drug Control Department has issued an advisory for mandatory CCTV installation in pharmacies, a move decided under the 11th National Narcotics Coordination (NCORD) mechanism.
- Awareness about Pregabalin abuse is also being raised, as some private pharmacies and Jan Aushadhi Kendras were found to be selling the drug without a prescription during inspections.
- The Delhi government is committed to addressing this issue and is considering the formal inclusion of Pregabalin in the Schedule H1 list of drugs, a move initiated by the Punjab government last year, which would legally require pharmacists to maintain sale records and dispense it only against a doctor's prescription.
