Jaipur, 3 October (IANS). The Rajasthan Health Department has issued strict instructions to ensure safe use of drugs under the Chief Minister Free Drug Scheme and to prevent cases of adverse drug responses.
Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary, Medical and Health Department, stressed that medicines should be taken only on the advice of the registered doctor and avoid self-medical. He warned that responsibility will be fixed in case of drug distribution or intake, or side effects due to negligence without proper consultation.
Asha, ANM and CHO teams will conduct door-to-door survey from Saturday across the state to increase public awareness. These teams will make people aware about taking medical advice as soon as they fall ill, keeping medicines away from the reach of children and consuming only medicines.
Recently, while expressing concern over the incidents of serious side effects of the children after taking phlegm syrup without a slip, Rathore said that pharmacists should not give medicines without slip and doctors should follow all protocols while writing medicines to children and adults.
He directed that patients and their families be given clear information about the correct amount of medicine, frequency of intake and possible side effects.
Rathore said that after the monsoon, all hospitals and health institutions need to be vigilant in view of the increase in cases of cough, cold and fever. He instructed the doctors to strictly follow the guidelines of age-specific prescription and to ensure adequate arrangements for investigation and treatment.
National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director Dr. Amit Yadav said that children below the age of four should not be given dextromorphon -containing medicines. People have been appealed to avoid using chronic or remaining drugs without medical advice.
It is advisable to contact the helpline 104/108 or state level control room (0141-2225624) immediately in case of severe side effects such as shortness of breathing, fainting, vomiting or seizures.
Director Public Health Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma instructed the doctors to clearly write the amount and time of the medicine on the leaflet and explain to the patients. Dr. Madhu Rateshwar, Director of RCH and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.
-IANS
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