No prescription, no medicine: Chennithala warns Kerala pharmacies of strict action

Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala on Monday announced a statewide crackdown on pharmacies selling prescription medicines without a valid doctor's prescription, warning that strict legal action will be taken against violators.

Addressing reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, Chennithala said the government has received reports that medicines intended for serious medical conditions are being sold over the counter without prescriptions, allowing them to be diverted for substance abuse.

He said law enforcement agencies have stepped up surveillance of medical shops across the state and will conduct intensified inspections to ensure compliance.

Pharmacies found dispensing prescription-only medicines without proper documentation will face legal consequences, he warned.

The Home Minister said he would hold discussions with Health Minister K Muraleedharan to strengthen enforcement measures and prevent the misuse of prescription drugs.

Chennithala also made it clear that attacks on police personnel conducting inspections would not be tolerated, adding that anyone attempting to obstruct enforcement officers would face strict action.

Speaking about Kerala's fight against narcotics, the minister identified Perumbavoor as one of the areas where drug trafficking has become a concern.

While noting that the town has a large migrant workforce, he stressed that only a section of individuals is involved in the illegal trade and said police are working to dismantle the network without targeting any particular community.

He also called for tougher provisions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, arguing that offenders caught with small quantities of drugs often obtain bail easily, weakening the law's deterrent effect.

Welcoming Amit Shah's nationwide anti-drug campaign, Chennithala said coordinated efforts by the Centre and state governments are crucial to effectively combat the growing drug menace across the country.