By now, we all go to medical stores to get over-the-counter medicines used for problems like colds, coughs, and fever. But now a policy of making these medicines available at your nearest general store is being considered. In countries like America, cough and cold medicines are already available in general stores. The team of experts believes that such a facility should be there in India also.
Recently there has been discussion regarding this topic. The committee appointed to formulate India's OTC or over-the-counter drug policy is also seriously considering this suggestion.
Some experts monitoring India's OTC drug policy suggest that the availability of these drugs at general stores, especially in rural areas, should be ensured to improve access to these drugs to the people. However, at present no decision has been taken regarding when this will happen.
Committee's suggestion regarding OTC medicines
Over-the-counter medicines are those which are allowed to be sold without a doctor's prescription. Countries like the United States, Britain, and Australia already have classifications of such drugs for their use. On similar lines, now consideration is being given to making these medicines available at general stores in India also.
Earlier in February, Director General of Health Services Atul Goyal constituted an expert committee to formulate India's OTC drug policy.
Medicines will become easier to access in rural areas
Committee members recently submitted the first list of medicines that can be sold over the counter, with a meeting called this week to discuss any possible amendments.
Sources say, there is a regulation for prescription medicines in India, but there are no guidelines or list for medicines which should be sold over the counter. The team believes that doing this will help in increasing its reach to the people. Especially in rural areas where one has to travel long distances to get to a medical store, its availability at general stores can be convenient for people.
What is the advice of experts?
Talking to Amar Ujala on the condition of anonymity, a doctor of Intensive Care Medicine in a hospital in Noida (on the condition of anonymity) says, if we are considering implementing such rules in India also by comparing them with foreign countries. So it is important to understand that countries like US-UK have a regulated network of health care, whereas in India it is still a big challenge.
A large population in India goes to quacks (quack doctors), most of whom prescribe medicines without knowing the complete history of the patient, which in many cases has serious health side effects. If these medicines start being available in general stores, which are not monitored, then they can have serious side effects on people's health. We are already in trouble with the problem of antibiotic resistance; painkillers have been seen to have serious side effects on the kidneys and liver.
The decision is right but attention will have to be given to regulation.
On the other hand, Bhopal-based psychiatrist Dr. Satyakant Trivedi says, if this decision is implemented then it can be a better step in terms of easy availability of medicines. If it is implemented with a system then good results can be seen in the direction of healthcare delivery. Here ethical responsibility of sellers along with a good monitoring system becomes very important.
(PC: ISTOCK)
