Odisha cracks down on injections administered at private pharmacies

The Directorate of Health-Odisha has announced a clampdown on pharmaceutical stores administering injections, following troubling reports of unauthorised individuals providing such services.

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The directive has been sent to all Chief District Medical Officers (CDMOs) across the State, highlighting significant health concerns posed by unlicensed practices.

Strict warning for untrained persons

Reports from various regions have noted incidents where untrained persons, lacking the necessary authorisation, have been administering injections in local chemist shops, leading to numerous adverse reactions and even fatalities.

In response, the health authorities are initiating regular compliance checks on pharmacy licenses, ensuring they meet all current legal requirements.

The directive underscores that only certified healthcare professionals should handle such medical procedures.

Kendrapara CDMO emphasised that instructions were duly communicated to pharmacists state-wide, and enforcement squads have been established to ensure adherence to these new regulations.

Efforts to raise public awareness are also underway, with community health centres and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) workers informing the public about the potential risks of accepting injection services from unauthorised personnel.

The initiative has prompted inquiries from patients and their families questioning the necessity of such stringent measures. Health officials argue that untrained individuals may cause serious harm, including severe side effects or death, highlighting the importance of immediate corrective action.

Some suggest enhancing pharmacists' training regarding the side effects of injections, which might be beneficial in remote areas with limited access to healthcare facilities. In such regions, reliance on local pharmaceutical stores is particularly high due to the scarcity of more comprehensive medical services.

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“We have got a circular from the Directorate of Health strictly prohibiting the administration of injections at pharmaceutical stores. We have formed a committee and a squad to curb such illegal activities,” Kendrapara CDMO, Pramod Kumar Praharaj expressed.