“Major decision by Uttarakhand government: Medical stores to shut down without licensed pharmacists”

In a significant decision, the Uttarakhand government has made it mandatory for all medical stores to have a registered pharmacist present to operate. The move is aimed at preventing the sale of spurious drugs and promoting responsible medication practices.

The state government has issued a notification stating that medical stores without a registered pharmacist will not be allowed to operate. The decision was taken after the state’s drug regulatory authority noted a surge in the sale of substandard medicines and unregulated practices at medical stores in the region.

The government’s move has been welcomed by the pharmacy community and healthcare professionals, who have long been advocating for stricter regulation of medical stores. The new rule is expected to promote better healthcare practices and ensure that patients receive the correct medication, dosage, and advice.

The government has also issued a warning to medical stores flouting the new regulation, stating that strict action will be taken against violators. The state drug regulatory authority will conduct surprise inspections at medical stores to ensure compliance with the new rule.

The move is part of a larger effort by the state government to improve healthcare infrastructure and promote responsible medical practices in the region. With this decision, Uttarakhand joins several other states in India that have made it mandatory for medical stores to have a registered pharmacist present to operate.

The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the healthcare sector in the state, and it is hoped that it will lead to better medication practices, improved healthcare outcomes, and greater patient safety.