Background: A drug is any substance that alters the body’s normal functioning and has itsown adverse effects. If harmful side effects of drugs outweigh the benefits after reaching themarket, the government may ban it. However, many drugs banned in other countries continueto be sold in India due to many factors like poverty, self-medication, lack of awarenessamong Drug Controller General of India doctors and patients, weak regulatory enforcement,and poor communication between the DCGI and state drug authorities. Addressing theseissues through stronger regulations and public awareness is essential for promoting saferdrug use in the country. In this context the study aimed to evaluate the sales and availabilityof banned drugs in tricity Chandigarh.Methods: The study was conducted in tricity (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula). Wesurveyed 165 registered chemist shops in tricity by random sampling technique. Datawas collected through a self-designed questionnaire administered during operational hours,capturing details about locations, and the availability of specific banned drugs and saleseither over the counter or by prescription. The data was systematically recorded andanalyzed to identify trends in the availability of banned drugs.Results: In our study, we surveyed 165 chemists across Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkulato assess the availability of banned drugs. Chandigarh had the highest presence, with 42chemists stocking gatifloxacin and 23 carrying tetracycline. Panchkula showed significantavailability of human placenta extract (22 chemists) and amidopyrine (30 chemists), whileMohali had comparatively lower stocks. Alarmingly, 101 chemists dispensed gatifloxacinon prescription, and 35 sold it over the counter. While some drugs were entirely notavailable, but many remained accessible despite restrictions. These findings underscore theurgent need for stricter enforcement to prevent the circulation of banned medications and tosafeguard public health.Conclusion: The study reveals an urgent need for stricter enforcement of drug regulationsin tricity Chandigarh. Despite high awareness levels, gaps in compliance and enforcementallow banned drugs to remain accessible. Strengthened monitoring systems, targetedtraining for healthcare professionals, and regular public awareness campaigns are essentialto curb this public health menace.
Sharma et al. (Sun,) studied this question.