The Drugs Control Department of Tamil Nadu will be holding interactive meetings quarterly with the pharma traders and consumer organisations in the state. A decision in this regard was taken by the Directorate last week, said the DC.

The meeting was called by the drugs control department and was attended by members of the consumer bodies, drug manufacturers associations and chemists & druggists associations of three districts. The director said that such meetings used to be held earlier but for some reason they stopped. Now, these meetings will be resumed with participation by all in the industry and department. The meeting also discussed the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules.

K Bangaru Rajan, assistant drugs controller, who is in charge of convening the meeting, said the department felt that interaction between consumer associations and enforcing authorities is necessary. The consumers can come with the grievances and express their views where representatives from every sector are participated.

"The consumer organisations of Chennai have requested the department to conduct interactive sessions with consumers and department. We have included the approved organisations in the neighbouring districts also. If any problem needs to be solved, the organisation can contact the AD or DC. Every kind of help will be provided to every individual and organisation," he said.

In the meeting held on May 22, members of Madras Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association and ten drug related consumers organisations of Chennai, Kancheepuram and Thiruvallur participated, Bangaru Rajan said. Some members raised some issues related with DPCO. The director, who presided over the meeting said, he would look into the matter.

Certain members complained of about not issuing receipts while purchasing drugs from some pharmacies located away from urban areas. Some other organisations highlighted the issue of quality of drugs.