Uttar Pradesh Government Forms Panel to Investigate Illegal Codeine Syrup Sales
The UP government has formed a panel to investigate the illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrups, often misused as a narcotic.
Photo by Tamas Pap
त्वरित संशोधन
UP government formed a high-level committee
Probe into illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrups
Codeine syrups are often misused as narcotics
Committee includes officials from health, police, and drug control departments
Aim is to curb drug abuse, especially among youth
महत्वपूर्ण तिथियां
दृश्य सामग्री
Uttar Pradesh's Action Against Illegal Codeine Syrup Sales
This map highlights Uttar Pradesh, the state taking action against illegal codeine syrup sales. The issue falls under 'Public Health' and 'Public Order', which are State List subjects, underscoring the state government's primary responsibility in such matters.
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परीक्षा के दृष्टिकोण
Legal and regulatory framework for drug control (NDPS Act, Drugs & Cosmetics Act, CDSCO).
Social issues: Drug abuse, addiction, public health, youth vulnerability, rehabilitation.
Governance: Centre-State cooperation in drug control, role of law enforcement and drug control authorities.
Economic aspects: Illicit drug trade, impact on healthcare and productivity.
Ethical dimensions: Pharmaceutical industry responsibility, medical ethics in prescription.
विस्तृत सारांश देखें
सारांश
The Uttar Pradesh government has constituted a high-level committee to investigate the illegal sale of codeine-based cough syrups, which are frequently misused as narcotics. This move comes after reports of widespread illicit sales and addiction, particularly among youth.
The panel, comprising officials from various departments, will examine the entire supply chain, from manufacturing to distribution, and recommend measures to curb this menace. This initiative underscores the state's commitment to tackling drug abuse, a significant social and public health issue, and highlights the need for stricter regulation and enforcement of pharmaceutical sales.
पृष्ठभूमि
The misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, particularly cough syrups containing codeine, has emerged as a significant public health and social issue in India. Codeine, an opioid, is a controlled substance under various drug laws due to its potential for addiction and abuse. Historically, drug abuse has been a persistent challenge, evolving from traditional substances to synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical preparations.
The regulatory framework, primarily the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, aims to control the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of such substances. However, gaps in enforcement, illicit supply chains, and lack of awareness contribute to the problem.
नवीनतम घटनाक्रम
The Uttar Pradesh government's formation of a high-level committee to investigate illegal codeine syrup sales highlights the growing concern over pharmaceutical drug abuse. This initiative focuses on scrutinizing the entire supply chain, from manufacturing units to distribution networks and retail pharmacies, to identify loopholes and recommend stricter measures.
It reflects a broader national effort to combat drug abuse, which disproportionately affects youth and has severe socio-economic consequences. Such state-level actions are crucial in complementing central government policies and laws.
बहुविकल्पीय प्रश्न (MCQ)
1. With reference to the regulation of pharmaceutical drugs in India, consider the following statements: 1. Codeine is classified as a Narcotic Drug under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. 2. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is responsible for the licensing of drug manufacturing units and sales establishments across all states. 3. State Drug Control Authorities primarily focus on the quality control of drugs and cosmetics, while their role in regulating sales is limited. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: A
Statement 1 is correct. Codeine, being an opioid, falls under the definition of 'Narcotic Drug' as per the NDPS Act, 1985, and its derivatives are scheduled under the Act. Statement 2 is incorrect. While CDSCO sets national standards and approves new drugs, the licensing of drug manufacturing units and sales establishments (retail and wholesale) is primarily the responsibility of the State Drug Control Authorities, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945. Statement 3 is incorrect. State Drug Control Authorities have a comprehensive role, including licensing, inspection, quality control, and regulation of sales, distribution, and storage of drugs and cosmetics within their respective states. Their role in regulating sales is significant, not limited.
2. In the context of drug abuse in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 2. India is a signatory to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, which aims to combat drug trafficking and abuse. 3. The 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan' focuses primarily on supply reduction strategies through law enforcement actions. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: B
Statement 1 is incorrect. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It focuses on awareness generation, identification, counseling, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug dependents. Statement 2 is correct. India is a signatory to the UN Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961, which is a key international treaty for drug control, aiming to limit the use of narcotics to medical and scientific purposes and to combat illicit trafficking. Statement 3 is incorrect. The 'Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan' (Drug-Free India Campaign) launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is a demand reduction strategy. It focuses on community outreach, awareness generation, and strengthening the drug de-addiction infrastructure, rather than primarily on supply reduction through law enforcement, which is handled by agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau.
3. Consider the following statements regarding the powers and responsibilities related to drug control in India: 1. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) is the nodal agency for combating illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances at the national level. 2. Under the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, 'Public Health' is a State List subject, implying states have exclusive legislative competence over drug control. 3. The Central Government can issue directions to State Governments for the implementation of the NDPS Act, 1985. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.2 and 3 only
उत्तर देखें
सही उत्तर: C
Statement 1 is correct. The Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) was constituted under the NDPS Act, 1985, and functions as the apex coordinating agency for drug law enforcement in India. Statement 2 is incorrect. While 'Public Health' is indeed a State List subject (Entry 6), 'Drugs and Poisons' is concurrently listed under the Concurrent List (Entry 19). This means both the Central and State Governments can legislate on drug control, with central laws generally prevailing in case of conflict. Thus, states do not have exclusive legislative competence. Statement 3 is correct. Given that 'Drugs and Poisons' is a Concurrent List subject and the NDPS Act is a central legislation, the Central Government has the authority to issue directions to State Governments for its effective implementation, ensuring uniformity and coordination in drug control efforts across the country.