As the G20 Summit approaches in the national capital, the drug control department of the Delhi government has issued a cautionary advisory to chemist associations and pharmacists within the city. The advisory aims to prevent the acquisition and transaction of significant quantities of medicines classified as narcotics and sedatives, ensuring ethical practices within the pharmaceutical sector.
The advisory specifically highlights substances such as codeine, tramadol preparations, and alprazolam. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to ethical conduct in the field and maintaining strict guidelines, particularly in light of the upcoming international event.
KR Chawla, Delhi’s drug regulator, issued the advisory on Friday, stating, “G20 Summit is to be held in Delhi during 9-10 September 2023, wherein a lot of foreign delegates and Indian dignitaries are expected to arrive in the national Capital. You are advised to adhere to the ethical practices in discharging your duties and strictly follow the guidelines as a part of social responsibility towards your nation.”
Among the directives provided in the advisory, Chawla has instructed pharmacists to display the poster reading ‘stop misuse of habit-forming drugs.’ The sale of all schedule H and H1 medicines should be conducted based on prescriptions from registered medical practitioners, with proper maintenance of the schedule H1 register.
The advisory also emphasizes maintaining polite behavior with foreign guests and customers, avoiding arguments and misbehavior. Registered pharmacists must be present at the premises, and unauthorized stocking and sale of imported drugs is prohibited except as permitted by the law. The guidelines also stipulate the need to keep purchase and sale records up to date on a daily basis and to maintain the proper cold chain for refrigerated medicines.
Failure to comply with any of these directives will result in legal action, as specified in the advisory. The G20 summit will take place at the newly constructed Bharat Mandapam convention center in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan under India’s presidency. World leaders and officials are set to arrive in the national capital from September 8 onward.