Chemists' org warns against Centre's plan to expand OTC drug list

1
2
Shillong: The
All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists
has cautioned against the Centre's proposal to classify more medicines as over-the-counter (OTC) products, maintaining that this would have harmful effects on the health of the people.
In a statement issued on Friday, the
Meghalaya Healthcare Association
, which is a unit of the AIOCD, cautioned the potentially dangerous consequences of this move and pointed out that medicines, even those used routinely, require expert supervision to avoid harmful effects.
"Paracetamol is widely used as a pain reliever, but an overdose can cause serious liver and kidney damage," David Kharsati, president of the Association said in the statement and also highlighted the risks of diclofenac, a common anti-inflammatory drug available in potassium and sodium forms.
"These two variants must be prescribed carefully, especially for patients with blood pressure issues. Interchanging them without proper guidance can worsen the condition," he said. He added while the govt may aim to simplify access, expanding the OTC list could disrupt the existing supply chain and lead to confusion among consumers.
The AIOCD, which represents around 12.5 lakh chemists across India, also raised concerns about the growing financial strain on local pharmacies and cited the rise of online pharmacies and govt-supported schemes like Jan Aushadhi and Dawa India as major factors behind declining business margins.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

3 hours ago

• Time of India

Health department will start siddha fertility clinic, says min Ma Su

Chennai: The health department will start fertility clinics under the department of Indian medicine on a pilot basis, similar to allopathic fertility clinics, at the Govt Siddha Hospital in Chennai, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Saturday. The minister, who took part in a yoga demonstration as part of International Yoga Day, said the state started three allopathic fertility clinics — one each in Chennai, Coimbatore, and Salem — recognizing the increasing prevalence of infertility and the need for improved access to affordable and high-quality fertility care, as well as further research into the underlying causes and effective prevention strategies. "I read an article by a doctor from this institution who said textbooks of siddha medicine, written centuries ago, prescribe drugs to solve infertility. We will soon start a siddha clinic for fertility on this campus," he said. The state is also working on legislation to set up a siddha university at Madhavaram. The Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2022, which was tabled in the state legislative assembly, was earlier withdrawn. The govt said it will undertake fresh legislation in tune with the provisions contained in the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act. In 2021-2022, the govt announced it would establish a separate siddha university. A bill passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly on April 28, 2022, was sent for the Governor's assent, but it was sent from Raj Bhavan for the assent of the President. The Centre said certain provisions of the Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical University Bill, 2022, are not in accordance with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020. "We will place the new bill in the coming assembly session," Subramanian said. Tamil Nadu is the only state where there are govt-run colleges for five streams of Indian medicine and homeopathy. The govt will fill doctor vacancies in this stream soon.

Hindustan Times

a day ago

• Hindustan Times

International Yoga Day 2025: 10 asanas children can practice with parents at home

International Yoga Day 2025: On the occasion of Yoga Day on June 21, let's take this moment to pause from the daily hustle, breathe, and reflect on how to bring mental clarity and balance into our lives, especially for the youngest members of our families. Children are growing up in a world where screens take up a lion's share of their routine. Add to that the pressure of school, tuition, and packed schedules. Even kids find themselves ensnared in the clutches of stress. This is where yoga steps in, one of the holistic ways to manage day-to-day stress. This International Yoga Day, let it be the start of a new routine where yoga is introduced to children. Making yoga an integral part of children's routine will help improve their physical flexibility and mental focus.(Shutterstock) Dr Narendra K Shetty, chief wellness officer, Kshemavana Naturopathy and Yoga Centre, Bangalore, shared with HT Lifestyle the benefits of starting yoga early in life. He said, 'In today's automatic and AI world, our kids are more digitalised than we were, and that's where the problem starts. This is a serious issue for our kids' health, and it has to be addressed as a priority. And yoga is the best option for it. Starting yoga at an early age helps children grow up more aware of their body, breath, and emotions. Teaching yoga early in life equips children with tools to handle stress naturally, improves immunity, and supports hormonal balance during their growth years. It nurtures a sattvic (balanced) lifestyle, helping children stay connected to nature, breath, and self-awareness in a playful way. It is important to encourage kids to practice with family, in parks, or in community spaces.' ALSO READ: Yoga Day 2025: 5 desk yoga stretches for busy professionals to focus better and beat work stress Dr Narendra K Shetty shared a detailed guide with us, covering 10 yoga asanas parents can do with their kids and decoded the best time for yoga practice: 10 gentle yoga asanas that kids can do with their parents 1. Tadasana (Mountain Pose) How to do: Stand tall with feet together, arms by the side. Inhale and raise your hands above your head, interlace fingers, and stretch upward. Hold for 5–8 breaths. Stand tall with feet together, arms by the side. Inhale and raise your hands above your head, interlace fingers, and stretch upward. Hold for 5–8 breaths. Benefits: Improves posture, strengthens legs, and enhances concentration. 2. Vrikshasana (Tree Pose) How to do: Stand on one foot, place the other foot on the inner thigh, palms joined in Namaste. Hold for 5 breaths and switch sides. Stand on one foot, place the other foot on the inner thigh, palms joined in Namaste. Hold for 5 breaths and switch sides. Benefits: Builds balance, body awareness, and self-confidence. 3. Balasana (Child's Pose) How to do: Kneel on the floor, sit back on the heels, and stretch arms forward on the mat. Rest forehead down. Kneel on the floor, sit back on the heels, and stretch arms forward on the mat. Rest forehead down. Benefits: Calms the mind, improves digestion, and relaxes the nervous system. 4. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) How to do: Lie on the stomach, place hands under shoulders, and gently lift the chest while keeping elbows bent. Lie on the stomach, place hands under shoulders, and gently lift the chest while keeping elbows bent. Benefits: Strengthens the spine, opens the chest, and relieves fatigue. 5. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) How to do: Lie on the back, bend knees, feet hip-width apart. Press into feet and lift hips upward. Lie on the back, bend knees, feet hip-width apart. Press into feet and lift hips upward. Benefits: Strengthens back and legs, stimulates digestion, and improves mood. 6. Marjaryasana-Bitilasana (Cat-Cow Pose) How to do: Get on hands and knees. Inhale, arch back (cow); exhale, round spine (cat). Repeat for 5 cycles. Get on hands and knees. Inhale, arch back (cow); exhale, round spine (cat). Repeat for 5 cycles. Benefits: Increases flexibility of the spine, improves coordination and focus. 7. Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Bend) How to do: Sit with legs extended, inhale arms up, exhale, fold forward from the hips. Sit with legs extended, inhale arms up, exhale, fold forward from the hips. Benefits: Calms the mind, stretches the spine and hamstrings, and enhances digestion. 8. Baddha Konasana (Butterfly Pose) How to do: Sit with the soles of feet together, gently flap knees up and down. Sit with the soles of feet together, gently flap knees up and down. Benefits: Opens the hips, improves blood circulation, and calms hyperactivity. 9. Ananda Balasana (Happy Baby Pose) How to do: Lie on the back, hold feet with hands, and gently rock side to side. Lie on the back, hold feet with hands, and gently rock side to side. Benefits: Releases tension in the lower back, improves sleep, and soothes anxiety. 10. Shavasana (Corpse Pose) How to do: Lie flat on the back with arms and legs comfortably apart, eyes closed. Focus on natural breathing for 3–5 minutes. Lie flat on the back with arms and legs comfortably apart, eyes closed. Focus on natural breathing for 3–5 minutes. Benefits: Deeply relaxes body and mind, resets the nervous system, and improves emotional regulation. When is the best time for Kids to do yoga? Morning time, ideally before breakfast, is the most beneficial. Consistency is more important, which helps create a fun, light-hearted environment. Even 15–20 minutes daily can make a big difference. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Hindustan Times

a day ago

• Hindustan Times

Monsoon scalp struggles: Doctor shares 4 reasons why dandruff flares up during rainy season and how to manage

Monsoon season brings cool air and cosy weather, but it also quietly invites trouble with a host of skin and haircare issues, particularly increasing dandruff. Even when your haircare routine seems in check and going all fine, the sudden onslaught of humidity, sweat, and rain during monsoon may throw your scalp health completely haywire. You need to be well-informed about seasonal dandruff to be able to tackle it. Keep your scalp health in check with the help of appropriate haircare routine.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Can you get rid of dandruff permanently? Dermatologist answers Dr Vishalakshi Viswanath, Consultant Dermatology at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, shared with HT Lifestyle how dandruff increases during monsoon and how one can manage it easily. Explaining the basics, she elaborated, 'Dandruff is not merely a dry scalp or just a cosmetic problem. The causes of dandruff are multifactorial. Increase in sebum production (oiliness of hair), colonisation of the scalp by a yeast fungus (Malassezia) and individual susceptibility (genetic, hormonal, stress) can contribute to dandruff issues. Many seasonal factors disrupt the scalp skin barrier function, leading to increased sebum production and yeast colonisation, thereby worsening dandruff.' Dr Viswanath shared a guide, outlining all the essentials you need to know about monsoon dandruff, from the reasons, treatments, to when one should visit a doctor: 4 reasons why dandruff worsens in monsoons Dandruff increases because of the change in weather conditions during monsoon.(Shutterstock) 1. Increased humidity: High moisture content and humidity cause an increase in scalp yeast. 2. Rainwater exposure and wet hair: A damp environment facilitates Malassezia overgrowth 3. Excessive scalp sweating: A humid atmosphere, leading to excessive scalp sweating and oiliness, causes scalp irritation and inflammation 4. Infrequent hair wash: Often, people avoid regular hair wash during monsoons, leading to an oily scalp and an increase in yeast How to control dandruff? 1. Anti-dandruff shampoos: Shampoos are the mainstay of dandruff control; ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, and salicylic acid-based shampoos are often available over the counter (OTC). Newer anti-fungal-based shampoos can be used in stubborn cases on a dermatologist's recommendation. 2. Regular hair wash: Twice or thrice weekly hair wash with a leave-on time of five to ten minutes for the action of actives in the shampoos should be done. 3. Maintain scalp hygiene: Keep the hair dry, avoid tying wet hair, dry your hair gently if you get wet in the rain, avoid harsh hair products (SLS, parabens) or heavy oils and leave oil on the scalp only for a few hours. 4. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle: A balanced diet rich in zinc, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, along with stress management, can help prevent dandruff flares. When to visit a doctor? If there is excess flaking, itching, oozing or your dandruff is uncontrolled with OTC products, do consult a dermatologist. If dandruff is left untreated, it can progress to seborrheic dermatitis and involve areas beyond the scalp, disrupt scalp health, lead to hair thinning, and cause secondary skin issues like forehead acne. Dandruff has to be differentiated from scalp psoriasis. The dermat concluded, 'Appropriate consultation with board certified dermatologist for individualised treatment approach and stubborn dandruff is mandatory.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition. Catch every big hit, every wicket with Crick-it, a one stop destination for Live Scores, Match Stats, Quizzes, Polls & much more. Explore now!. Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Taylor Swift, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs.