Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh seeks stringent e-pharmacy regulations to prevent drug abuse

Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh today urged Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mr. J. P. Nadda to enforce stricter regulations on e-pharmacies, specifically requesting that they be prohibited from selling psychotropic drugs without a valid prescription. This appeal aligns with ongoing efforts in Punjab to combat drug abuse and aligns with existing national guidelines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which regulate the sale of such substances. Punjab Cabinet Minister today called upon Mr. Nadda at Nirman Bhawan here.

Dr. Singh’s request reflects concerns over the potential misuse of online platforms, emphasizing the need for tighter controls to ensure these drugs are dispensed only under medical supervision, supporting Punjab’s broader campaign to curb the drug menace in the state. Punjab Cabinet Minister revealed that the Union Health Minister agreed to this.

On the issue of Pending dues of State Health Agency under Ayushman Insurance Scheme, the Ministry of Health, Government of India has agreed to release about Rs. 54 Crores to State of Punjab for the successful operation of the scheme.

Mr. Nadda assured Dr. Singh that about Rs. 50 Crores will be released after the completion of few formalities in subsequent weeks/months.

In a significant step towards combating drug misuse in Punjab, the Union Health Minister has agreed to a proposal from the Punjab Health Minister to include Pregabalin and Tapentadol in Schedule H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, Dr. Singh further revealed.

He also informed the Union Health minister that, Pregabalin, widely used for neuropathic pain and epilepsy, and Tapentadol, a potent opioid analgesic, have been identified as substances of concern due to their increasing misuse in Punjab and beyond. The Punjab government has reported significant seizures of these drugs, including Pregabalin formulations worth over ₹5 crore in 2024, highlighting the urgency of stricter regulations.

By classifying these drugs under Schedule H1, their sale will be restricted to prescriptions from registered medical practitioners, with mandatory record-keeping by pharmacies to prevent over-the-counter access and misuse.

Punjab Cabinet Minister said that the Union Health Minister commended Punjab’s proactive stance in addressing the drug crisis and reiterated the central government’s support for state-led initiatives to safeguard public health. This amendment to the Drugs Rules is expected to be formally notified soon, following procedural formalities.

The Ministry urged all stakeholders, including healthcare providers and pharmacies, to comply with the updated regulations once enforced.