Govt to deregister pharmacists for illegal sale of psychotropic drugs in first-of-its-kind action

In a major policy shift, the Haryana State Pharmacy Council will — for the first time — initiate action against pharmacists involved in unethical or illegal practices, including the unauthorised sale of psychotropic (NRx) drugs and Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits. Those found guilty can be deregistered under Section 36 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, making them ineligible to work as pharmacists anywhere.

Until now, punitive action in such cases was limited to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which cancelled the licences of retail or wholesale pharmacies. With the new approach, individual pharmacists — whether owners, partners or employees — will also face accountability for violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945.

Newly elected Pharmacy Council Chairman BB Singal, chosen unanimously on October 29, said the initiative aims to plug a major gap in regulation. “Not just for the unauthorised sale of psychotropic drugs, if any pharmacist is involved in the sale of MTP kits in the state, the Haryana State Pharmacy Council will take action,” he said. Teepu Poria has been appointed vice- chairman.

Detailing the mechanism, Singal said, “It was our idea. Once the FDA writes to the Pharmacy Council against pharmacists indulging in unethical practices, we will issue show-cause notices, call the pharmacist concerned in person, conduct an inquiry, and if required, take action.”

Under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and Pharmacy Rules, 1951, action may include warnings, suspension or cancellation of registration.

Emphasising the gravity of deregistration, Singal said, “The Council can decide on the registration of a pharmacist. Once it is cancelled, he or she will not be able to work anywhere. The state government has given an in-principle approval for the exercise.”

He said the Council would play an active role in the state government’s ‘Nash Mukt Haryana’ and ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaigns under Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

The decision comes amid an intensified crackdown in Sirsa district, Haryana’s most drug-affected region. On December 2, the FDA seized thousands of intoxicant tablets — including Tapentadol and Pregabalin —and arrested two persons. In November, 35 FDA officers raided 67 chemist shops and sealed 16 for illegal sale of psychotropic drugs.

State Drug Controller Lalit Goel has already sent a list of around 15 Sirsa-based pharmacists to the Council for disciplinary action. In a letter dated December 3, Goel directed all Senior Drugs Control Officers and Drug Control Officers to furnish details of pharmacists associated with pharmacies whose licences were cancelled over violations involving dual-use drugs, in the prescribed format.