GUWAHATI, Feb 26 � India Pharmacists Revolution, a non-governmental organisation, has said that the government is overlooking the safety concerns of patients in Assam by delaying setting up of a drug testing laboratory and also by not filling up crucial posts in the drug controller department.
The organisation, voicing its concern, also alleged glaring shortfalls in the functioning of the health sector, which will derail programmes like �Clean Assam-Healthy Assam�.
�It is shocking to see that even after several decades have passed since India attained its independence, health of the people is still not given priority. Had it not been so, a drug testing laboratory would have been set up by now,� said Amitav Joyprakash Choudhury, convenor of the organisation.
Shortage of manpower, including vacancy of posts like those of deputy drugs controller, senior drugs inspector and drugs inspector, has clearly affected the efficient functioning of the department, he said.
Information made available to this correspondent revealed that in districts like Tinsukia, Karbi Anglong, Hailakandi, Darrang, Nalbari, Barpeta, Goalpara, Chirang and Kokrajhar, the post of drug inspector is lying vacant for years. Moreover, in districts like Dhemaji, Golaghat, Haflong, Udalguri, Morigaon and Baksa, the post is yet to be created, which is shocking.
Choudhury said the State Government cannot risk the lives of the innocent people by depriving them of their health rights. He urged the authorities concerned to strictly implement the Drug and Cosmetic Act - Rule 65.
Compulsory presence of pharmacists in drug stores and sale of life saving drugs by prescription are some of the other areas that the authorities need to ensure.
