Parvaiz wani cniJAMMU, CNI NEWS: On the occasion of World Pharmacist Day, the Assistant Drug Controller, Jammu Udhampur and Ramban, Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, today organised an awareness programme for stakeholders of
Zone-III in collaboration with the concerned Drug Control Officer (DCO), Amit Bali. Social activist and Chairman of Samvedna Society, Keshav Chopra, also participated in the programme and shared his views on drug abuse and the important role of pharmacists in preventing the misuse of medicines.The programme focused on highlighting the vital role of pharmacists in ensuring the safe and responsible dispensing of medicines, educating patients about prescriptions and proper medication use, and contributing towards the prevention of drug abuse in society. Special emphasis was laid on the responsible dispensing of medicines covered under Schedule H1, particularly those containing psychotropic molecules, strictly against valid prescriptions and the maintenance of complete purchase and sale records as prescribed under the applicable regulations.Speaking on the occasion Sanjeev K. Gupta said that pharmacists have a vital responsibility towards society as they are directly involved in the dispensing of
medicines and guiding patients on their proper use. He stressed that medicines covered under Schedule H1, particularly those with potential for misuse and addiction, must be dispensed strictly against valid prescriptions and all prescribed purchase and sale records must be properly maintained. Gupta urged pharmacists to remain vigilant and extend their full cooperation in preventing the misuse of prescription medicines and curbing drug addiction.Social activist and Chairman of Samvedna Society, Keshav Chopra, said that the administration and Jammu & Kashmir Police have been making commendable efforts under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan to create awareness and combat drug abuse. He said that the awareness programme was important in sensitising pharmacists about their crucial responsibility in preventing the misuse of prescription medicines.
Chopra urged pharmacists to remain vigilant and ensure that medicines with the potential for abuse or addiction are not provided to any person without a valid prescription and proper verification, while strictly following the applicable rules. He further called for collective efforts by the administration, police, drug control authorities, pharmacists and society to make the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir initiative more effective.During the programme, participants were also sensitised about the serious issue of drug addiction and the important role pharmacists can play in preventing the misuse and diversion of prescription medicines. A pledge was subsequently administered to all those present, wherein they resolved to extend their cooperation in curbing the menace of addiction by ensuring that habit-forming
medicines are dispensed only against valid prescriptions and in accordance with the prescribed norms.The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) of the Government of India was also discussed in detail, with participants being apprised of its objectives and potential benefits for the pharmacy sector and aspiring professionals.The awareness programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from stakeholders, who appreciated the initiative and expressed their interest in having more such informative and awareness-oriented programmes conducted in the future.Amit Bali thanked all the participants for their active involvement and cooperation.
He also congratulated DCO Amit Bali for organising the awareness programme and appreciated the collective efforts aimed at promoting the responsible use of medicines and creating greater awareness about the prevention of drug abuse.Tehsil Jammu West Chemist Association Chairman Narayan Dutt, President Romi Raina, Treasurer Sanjeev Pargal, General Secretary Suresh Gupta, Org Secretary Jyoti Parkash and Others were also Present. CNI NEWS