Citizens urged to verify pharmacies, avoid expired drugs, report adverse reactions
The Drugs Control Administration under the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare (DH&FW), Nagaland, has issued an advisory directing citizens to exercise caution while purchasing and consuming medicines.
The advisory urges the public to collect a cash memo or credit memo for every medicine purchased, stating that the document serves as a legal record for any future investigation or grievance.
Citizens have also been advised to purchase medicines only from pharmacies holding a valid drug licence and to verify licence authenticity through the ONDLS portal. Medicines must be dispensed by a registered pharmacist identifiable by a white coat or apron, along with a name tag and registration number.
The department further directed the public to immediately report any adverse drug reaction or serious side effect through the toll-free number 1800 180 3024. Complaints regarding medicines that show “less effect or no effect” may be reported to the District Drugs Control Administration unit under the Chief Medical Officer’s office for necessary investigation.
Highlighting consumer vigilance, the advisory stresses that buyers must always check critical details on medicine packaging, including brand and generic name, manufacturer’s name and address, batch number, manufacturing date and expiry date, and dosage strength.
“Never use expired medicines,” the advisory cautioned, adding that medicines should be stored as per label instructions to ensure proper therapeutic effect.
The department also reminded the public that prescription drugs under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules require a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner. Purchase or possession of such medicines without prescription is illegal and potentially dangerous to health.
The advisory has been issued in the interest of safeguarding public health and preventing misuse or unsafe consumption of medicines.
