Following approval of arthritis drug, hydroxychloroquine for treatment and prophylaxis of Covid-19, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Tuesday called for ban on sale of the drug without valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
“Chemist shops should refrain from selling the drug withoutdoctor’s prescription,” said DAK President, Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“The arthritis drug thathas been found to be effective against the novel Coronavirus falls under the scheduleH of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, which means it can be sold only underprescription,” he said. “However, regulations for pharmacies are lax andviolations are rampant. The drug is sold widely over the counter withoutprescription.”
He said after the reports that hydroxychloroquine cures thenew virus people were rushing to pharmacies and hoarding the drug.
“I urge people not to go and find the drug, because theywill be taking it out of the hands of those who need it most,” he said.
DrHassan said ICMR has recommended hydroxychloroquine as preventive medicationfor healthcare workers involved in care of suspected or confirmed cases ofCoronavirus and for household contacts of laboratory confirmed cases.