District Collector Shreya P. Singh has warned of action against pharmacies that sell medicines without doctor’s prescription. The move follows the death of a woman allegedly after consuming drugs for abortion that she bought from a pharmacy.
According to the Health Department officials, the 29-year-old woman from Ramapuram near Mallasamuthiram bought drugs from a pharmacy near her residence to terminate her pregnancy. The woman’s health allegedly deteriorated after she took the drugs and she died without responding to treatment. Based on reports, District Collector ordered a team led by the Deputy Director of Family Welfare, M. Valarmathi, to conduct an inquiry into the incident.
Ms. Valarmathi said the patient had complications and consumption of non-prescribed drugs for abortion worsened her health. The team conducted inspections at the pharmacy near the woman’s residence and found used syringes and medicine vials outside it. As the pharmacy owner did not turn up, the team sealed the shop.
According to the officials, miscreants broke into the pharmacy and allegedly stole medicines from the place. Mallasamuthiram Block Officer had registered a police complaint in this regard.
The District Collector said there had been an increase in abortions since the start of COVID-19 pandemic. Ms. Singh advised the public to approach primary health centres or government hospitals for safe medical termination of pregnancy.
She warned of stern action against pharmacies that involved in over-the-counter sale of drugs that should be only be sold with prescription.
