Punjab imposes restriction on sale of anti-malarial drug

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab food and drug administration (FDA) has imposed restriction on over-the-counter sale of anti-malarial drug, which is seen as a treatment for the coronavirus. FDA has started monitoring of the available stock in the market on daily basis and has made its dispensing stricter.


The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) had recently recommended restricted use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) formulation (anti-malarial drug) for the high risk population, which include health workers involved in the care of suspected or confirm cases of Covid-19. The Union health ministry had on March 27, put the HCQ formulation in Schedule H1, making a doctor's prescription must for buying it.

There have been reports about people in the state buying the drug over the counter at chemist shops, pushing the FDA to issue directions as consumption of the drug without recommendation of doctor can pose health risk.

The drug controllers have also been asked to take necessary steps to ensure that the said drug formulation is available in the state for the high risk population. They have also been instructed to keep monitoring the supply chain, including the retail outlets, to ensure availability of the drug.

Joint drugs commissioner Pardeep Kumar said, "Dispensing of the drug has been made stricter. Chemists have been warned against over the counter sale of the drug and action will be taken against those found violating the directions."

The drug manufacturers have been asked to ensure continuity of functioning of their units so that there is no shortage of drugs within or outside the state. The government has assured to resolve their problems, if any, at the earliest.

Health hazards

According to experts, hydroxychloroquine formulation can pose health risk if not used correctly. Consumption of the drug can lead to issues with heart rhythm, which can be fatal; blurred vision; hearing loss; muscle weakness; hair loss and abnormal mood swings.

Restriction in Haryana too

The Haryana food and drug administration too has a ban in place on over-the-counter sale of HCQ. It will be dispensed on retail counters only with proper prescription by authorised medical practitioner. FDA controller V K Ahuja said state had sufficient stocks of the drug and it was only to avoid misuse of this medicine, the government had put this in the prohibitory category.

Chandigarh keeping a tab

Chandigarh health secretary Arun Kumar Gupta said the UT administration had not restricted the sale of the drug but it had issued advisory to residents not to buy this medicine without any medical prescription. "We are keeping a tab on the situation and there is nothing to worry about. The chemists have also asked to maintain register for the sale and purchase of this drug," he added.