Photo: Messenger
Unlicensed pharmacies have become rampant in various areas of Raipur, Lakshmipur, defying the Drug Control Act and putting the health of thousands at risk.
Thousands of small and medium-sized pharmacy businesses are operating with just trade licenses, disregarding the regulations set by the drug administration. These establishments are selling potent antibiotics, sleeping tablets, sexually stimulating drugs, and even banned, counterfeit, expired, and low-quality medicines from India, all without a doctor's prescription. This alarming practice is leading to more complex health issues for patients, resulting in financial, physical, and emotional distress for many families.
The indifference of the authorities has emboldened owners and employees to act as de facto doctors, prescribing medications without the necessary qualifications. This has led to rampant maltreatment, with many patients suffering from worsened conditions. The situation is exacerbated by the presence of unlicensed Ayurvedic and homeopathic pharmacies, where owners often lack the minimum qualifications required to dispense medicines.
A visit to the pharmacies in the upazila's municipal towns and unions reveals that many owners gained their experience by working in other pharmacies before starting their own businesses. There are widespread complaints that these pharmacies frequently sell medicines without a doctor's prescription and take advantage of customers' ignorance about drug prices, charging exorbitant rates for inexpensive medications.
Anwar Hossain Dhali, President of the Raipur Press Club, highlighted the severity of the issue, stating that there are over two hundred pharmacies in the upazila, with only 8 to 10 in urban areas having trained pharmacists. He emphasized that the lack of professional oversight is causing patients to suffer from more complicated diseases and incur significant losses. Moreover, unqualified individuals are exploiting villagers by writing prescriptions and taking commissions by referring patients to different clinics, all under the guise of medical services.
In response to the growing concern, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Imran Khan assured that legal action will be taken against those running the drug business without a license. He mentioned the imminent use of mobile courts to enforce the law and curb the illegal practices that are endangering public health.
The situation in Raipur underscores the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement of the Drug Control Act to protect the community from the dangers posed by unlicensed pharmacies. As the authorities prepare to take action, the hope is that these measures will lead to a safer and more regulated environment for the distribution of medicines in the upazila.
Messenger/Disha
