Errant pharmacies to be fined

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

New legislation is to be introduced soon to impose a fine of Rs. 100,000 or one years imprisonment or both on pharmacists who violate government rules and regulations applicable to private pharmacies, a Health Ministry spokesman said.

According to the spokesman Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena ordered health officials to amend the Cosmetic Devises and Drugs Act, No. 27 of 1980 to introduce strict punishment for violating rules and regulations by private pharmacies. The Act to be amended this year to ensure that the public receives a quality service from private pharmacies.

The Cosmetic Devices and Drugs Control Authority received a large number of complaints from the public in connection with various misconduct by private pharmacies and raids were conducted by the Authority. Cases were filed against many private pharmacies which violated relevant rules and regulations. But even after filing such court cases, some private pharmacies do not stop their irregular practices, he said.

During the raids the health authorities discovered that some private pharmacies did not have qualified pharmacists. Some private pharmacies sold expired, banned and low quality drugs while others sold drugs without prescriptions.

Certain others stored drugs with food items and had no airconditioning (kept airconditioners switched off). When patients come with prescriptions some private pharmacies sold them more expensive drugs while the prescribed cheap drugs was freely available at the pharmacy, he added.