Drug Policy

Jammu and Kashmir would now have a new
drug policy based on rationalisation of the use
of drugs which would help in the balanced
growth of the sector in the state. The new drug
policy was approved by the state Cabinet which
met here yesterday under the Chairmanship of
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. “J-K will now
have a new drug policy based on the
rationalisation of the use of drugs. It was given a
nod by state cabinet yesterday,” state Minister
for Health Sham Lal Sharma said. Revealing the
salient features of the policy, the Health Minister
said that the Drug Policy would help to ensure
balanced growth of health sector in the State.
It would also rationalise the use of drugs, he
said. He said that the features of drug policy
include selection of essential drug list by expert
committee to be known as State Drug
Committee. The Committee will comprise
clinicians, Micro-biologists, qualified
Pharmacists and independent experts besides
senior functionaries of the departments, he
added. Sharma said for Indian System of
Medicines (ISM) there will be a separate
committee. “The policy has been formulated
with an aim to upgrade the health care status of
Jammu and Kashmir”.
The policy also envisages strengthening of Drug
and Food Control Organization and Drug Testing
Laboratories, he said adding that it also provides
for promoting rational use of drugs in the State
so that patients receive the medicines
appropriately. It also provides for drugs and
therapeutic committees in all the hospitals, he
said adding that the concept of essential drugs,
rational drug use and generic prescribing shall
be integral part of basic and in-service training
of health professionals under the policy.