The Punjab Government on Friday directed the drug regulators of the State to ensure the implementation of Prohibition of Objectionable Advertisement Act and initiate a special campaign to weed-out any objectionable advertisement regarding misleading claims of the drugs displayed on prominent public places.
Presiding over a meeting of State Drugs Advisory Committee, Hussan lal, Secretary Health-cum-Commissioner, Food & Drugs Administration directed the officers to make sure that no objectionable material is highlighted in either the print media or electronic media through advertisements or any promotional messages. He sought forceful implementation of the Drugs & Magic Remedies (Prohibition of Objectionable Advertisement) Act in the State. The Drugs Regulatory Officers were also directed to launch the mass campaign with immediate effect and to show their progress report till this month to effectively deal with the violators.
Tightening the grip on the chemists indulged in trading habit forming drugs, Hussan lal said that no leniency in this matter would be tolerated by the Government. The drug inspectors were asked to fast track the checking of the chemists to ensure that no person indulges in unethical trade of habit forming drugs and further to ensure attendance of registered pharmacist on the retail sale shops.
He also directed the Inspectors to verify the compliance of cold chain maintenance in the supply chain of thermolabile drugs. Whosoever found not maintaining the cold chain; such licensees’ shall not be allowed to stock such drugs under currency of their licences and shall be de-barred to stock such drugs. Hussan lal said the Zonal licensing Authorities have been asked to initiate strict action against the retail sale chemists where the pharmacist remains absent, he said.