Tamil Nadu: Action against stores selling drugs sans prescription

CHENNAI: Action will be initiated against drug stores selling habit-forming drugs without prescription, health minister Ma Subramanian said.
After addressing students at Chennai Girls' Higher Secondary School, Saidapet as a part of the 'drive against drugs', Subramanian told reporters, that the health department will aggressively take part in the state's campaign. "Food safety officials will crack down on the sale and use of gutka and pan masala. The drug directorate has already asked pharmacies not to sell habit-forming drugs to clients without prescriptions. We will ensure these drugs are not easily available," he said.
The event on Thursday in schools and colleges was to create awareness about drug abuse. "More than 30 lakh students took an oath against drugs. This must be one of the largest events. MLAs, MPs and ministers are taking part in the event along with district administrators, police and senior officials," he said. Several countries have shown how increasing awareness, particularly among the young, can decrease abuse.
Tamil Nadu government has banned the manufacture and sale of tobacco products since May 2013. "Since the DMK came to power, we have initiated action to stop the sale of these substances," he said. Of the 952 tonnes seized, 152 tonnes were seized since May 2021, he said.