Schedule Drugs refer to a specific classification of prescription medications mentioned in the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. These drugs cannot be purchased from chemist shops by simply naming them as these medicines require a valid and signed prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
It is good that during the District Level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) meeting to review the implementation of anti-drug initiatives in Jammu District, the District Magistrate has directed the Assistant Drugs Controller to maintain strict surveillance over the stock and sale of scheduled drugs. This is a significant step to safeguard the youth and even other people against substance abuse because many drugs falling in the category of prescription drugs are misused for intoxication leading to severe medical conditions.
The DM’s direction therefore needs to be complied with in all seriousness by regulating and monitoring the sales and stock position of such drugs which can act as alternatives to narcotics and spoil the health and future of substance abusers. The DM, in a strict message, has asked the concerned quarters to keep track of each pill falling under the category of scheduled drugs.
In unequivocal terms, he has categorically made it clear to take stern legal action against any establishment failing to maintain proper stock and sale records. The schedule drugs which require valid prescriptions for buying include Alprazolam, Diazepam, Tramadol, etc.
The administration deserves kudos for successfully running the 100-day Nasha Mukt Abhiyan across J&K as several targets have been achieved during the ongoing campaign and the enthusiasm of the government and the public is truly surprising that one cannot fully appreciate its impact without seeing it firsthand. The involvement of all stakeholders including the families affected by the scourge of drug menace had to be seen to be believed.
All said and done, there is a dire need to strictly monitor the sale and stocks of schedule drugs to prevent their misuse and protect society, especially the youth. It must be ensured that no chemist or medical establishment takes the rules for granted and shows complacency in complying with the same. All the stakeholders should take steps to ensure that the schedule drugs are used only for medical purposes and not for intoxication and the violators should be dealt with firmly to save the youth from this scourge.
The authorities have a major responsibility in this regard and therefore the concerned quarters should ensure that no one can indulge in the illegal sale of these drugs having the potential to cause damage if taken without the advice of a qualified medical professional.
