Govt allows limited retail sale of Tamiflu and Zanamivir
merisarkar news service.
New Delhi, September 16, 2009
Union Health ministry has decided to allow the regulated sale of drugs used in treatment of H1N1 virus to deal with the spread of the disease in various parts of the country. There is a feeling in the government that the situation will become worse as winter sets in few weeks time.
The ministry said in a statement, "Given the current spread of the Influenza 'A' (H1N1) in the country, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has decided that retail sale of Oselatamivir Phosphate and Zanamivir should be allowed in the country in a regulated manner."
The ministry issued a notification on Tuesday under Section 26E of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 outlining the guidelines under which these drugs can be sold.
Prior to the issue of this notification the retail sale of Oselatamivir phosphate also known as Tamiflu had been banned by the Central Government and its distribution was permissible only through Public Health Institutions.
There was no restriction on the retail sale of Zanamivir prior to the issue of Tuesday's notification.
However, the government clarified, "Only such chemists who have the license to sell, stock or distribute drugs specified under Schedule X to the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945 would be authorized to sell the above named drugs against proper medical prescriptions."
The government assured that manufacturers of these drugs are ready to roll out the drugs into the retail market in case of a pandemic situation.
Health ministry said that these drugs should be available in the market with specified chemists within 5-7 days.
