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Chemists withdraw agitation against NDPS

Last updated on: February 19, 2005 18:38 IST

The agitation by chemists and druggists against the Narcotics Drugs and Psychtropic Substances Act was withdrawn on Saturday with immediate effect.

Drugs covered under the Act would now be available on presentation of prescription, All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists said.

"The government officials have in principle agreed to amend the Form 6 provision under Rule 67 of the Act and we have been assured that a formal notification would be issued in this effect in another three-four days," honorary general secretary of AIODC, JS Shindhe, said from Mumbai.

The decision comes after three days of meetings between representatives of the organisation, officials from the ministries of Home, Finance and Health, and Narcotics Control Bureau in Delhi and Mumbai.

A final draft was signed on February 18 by joint secretary (finance), deputy director general of NCB, drugs controller of India and representatives of AIOCD in Delhi.

The government has agreed that a consignment note in Form 6 would not apply to cases where the sale of psychotrophic substances is accompanied by a sale bill, invoice or cash memo, having name, address, licence number of the consignor and consignee, description, batch number, quantity and mode and particulars of transportation.

However, the document would have to be preserved by the consignor and consignee for a period of two years.

It has also been agreed that in cases of supplies to research institutions, medical practitioners, hospitals or dispensaries, the consignee need not incorporate the licence number.

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