As part of its strong measures to implement section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, the Kerala State Pharmacy Council (KSPC) has initiated prosecution cases against 43 violators across the state. The violations were found in the community pharmacies operating in various districts.

Besides, the Council has suspended the registration of two pharmacists for infringement of Rule 149, 150 and 151 (code of ethics). Breach of section 34 (renewal of licence) was also noted.

The violations were found by the pharmacy inspectors during their inspections in medical stores. In the years 2012 and 13, the council conducted 489 inspections in 14 districts and memo was issued to 439 cases. The respective pharmacy inspectors were asked to initiate prosecutions against these drug stores, said B Rajan, president of KSPC.

Apart from violation of pharmacy rules, violation of code of ethics was also noted during the inspections.  A total of 25 registered pharmacists were censured and imposed penalties of Rs. 500 each to other 25 dispensers for violation of code of ethics.

“We have taken several steps for the implementation of section 42 in the state with the support of the government. We do not think that there is any difficulty in implementing the Act.  We are of opinion that the drugs should be handled by a registered pharmacist only. KSPC has appointed pharmacy inspectors in all the 14 districts in the state. No pharmacy in the state will be allowed to operate without the presence of a registered pharmacist in future because managing pharmacy and handling of drugs are exclusively the job of pharmacists.”, said the president.

The Council has in a recent decision started to enforce pharmacy act strictly in the private hospital pharmacies in Kerala by appointing more pharmacy inspectors. As part of it, the KSPC will conduct inspections in the private hospital pharmacies in order to check if the drugs are dispensed there by registered pharmacists only. However, clinics, hospitals managed by single doctor and doctor couples will be kept away from checking.