Access to controlled medication;concluding remarks

[Guest guest]

Hello to all,

Firstly I thank to all members of Netrum for their important contribution for the discussion to make its way. I am grateful to Dr Thawani sir for giving me support and opportunity to moderate topic on this platform.

We started discussing the topic with the introductory remarks on points to be dealt in various aspects of accessibility of controlled medication. Dr Mangesh raised important issues regarding reason for unavailability of controlled medication as well as existing scenario in India. He also contributed to discussion regarding lacking access to opioids in our country and obstacles behind the access. Dr Bashaar sir provided very informative articles on controlled medication and supported discussion.

Gharpure madam put their remarks regarding storage, license, prescribing of controlled medication. Dr Thawani sir explained briefly why people in India lack access to morphine even though a major manufacturer of it. Dr Anupama and Thawani sir raised issues regarding illegal cultivation of substances of abuse, and lack of control of regulatory bodies for that. Dr Smita contributed to discussion by explaining guidelines for prescribing, possessing and destroying controlled drugs. Dr Smita also provided useful link on "Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances". Dr Anupama also supported the discussion by providing useful article on availability of opioid. Last but not the least Dr Chetna madam for their encouraging words.

I would like to summarize topic as, simply providing a supply of controlled drugs will not increase the access; we should pay attention to interconnected factors that should be addressed. That is simplification regarding how current laws can be improved to allow access whilst preventing diversion, misuse. Training is also vital part to ensure who can possess and handle controlled drugs. Finally there is need to review laws and policies realizing responsibilities within Govt bodies to ensure accessibility to controlled medication.

Once again I am eminently thankful to Dr Thawani sir for giving me support and opportunity.

Thank you.

Regards,

Dr Deepali