Pharmacies in Vellore told not to sell drugs without prescriptions

This comes after reports of the abuse of cough syrup and pain killers; police and drug department officials say they are now conducting periodic checks

In the wake of reports about abuse of cough syrup and painkillers as Tasmac shops are shut, the police and drug control department, in the combined Vellore district, have asked pharmacies not to sell these drugs without proper prescriptions. There are around 2,000 pharmacies in Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Ranipet and Tirupathur districts. According to police, they have been getting reports from parents that some youngsters are abusing cough syrup and pain killers without proper prescriptions, as well as by using fake ones. “All the Superintendents of Police have been instructed to hold meetings with pharmacies in their limits and give them instructions. In some districts this has already taken place,” said A.G. Babu, DIG, Vellore range. Police sources said that they are also monitoring the sales along with drug control officials in the districts.