The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA) has demanded to the Union health ministry for a 45-day extension of timeline to comment on the draft Drugs & Cosmetics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 from the present January 12 to February 15, 2015.

In a communiqué to the Union government, the BDCDA has said that it would need more time to go through the draft copy of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act  Amendment) Bill, 2015 which now focusses on pharmacy trade covering wholesalers and retailers engaged in the sale of drugs, cosmetics, surgical and medical devices.

The Association is of the view that at a glance, the proposed draft copy of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 has now considered many aspects of drug distribution and sale of medicines in supplies with the potency including storages to the general public. In addition, there is also shortfall of information related to the conditions of the trade licences for wholesalers and the retailers, said V Hari Krishnan, president, BDCDA, in his communication to the Union government.

“Therefore the time limit given to send comments on the draft copy of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 shows urgency in amending the same which is of prime importance to the 1.3 billion people of the country, said Krishnan in his communication to the Union government.

There is need for sufficient time spanning 45 days to provide our views and suggestions on additions, deletions, besides proposals on the proposed draft copy of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act (Amendment) Bill, 2015 which has now been placed in the public domain and will be tabled in the forthcoming Budget session of Parliament.

“We need to comprehend the details of the draft Bill, which is seen to transform the country’s pharmaceutical industry and pharmacy trade, Krishnan told Pharmabiz.