Haryana app to check pharma drugs' abuse

Chandigarh: The Haryana government has started app-based monitoring to control the abuse of habit-forming pharma drugs. The state government has launched the app, SAATHI, as a pilot project in the Sonipat district.

If the trial is a success, the app will be introduced across the state. At the same time, Haryana home, health and family welfare minister Anil Vij has also approached the Centre for the implementation of a similar app.

Of the total 3,350 drug-related cases registered this year, 4 per cent are related to the possession and sale of psychotropic drugs. Last year, the incidence was recorded to be around 5 per cent. According to the information, the app will be operated and monitored jointly by drug control officers and units of the Haryana State Narcotics Control Bureau (HSNCB) at the district level. With the inception of the app, every licence holder for retail, wholesale and stocking of pharma drugs will have an online entry of every stock of psychotropic drugs. "Anything found beyond inventory shall be liable for action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and NDPS Act," said an official of the food and drug administration (FDA) department.