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Karnataka FDA Geo-tags Pharmacies Amidst Row
13 Feb
Summary
- Karnataka FDA is geo-tagging pharmacies, causing disagreement with a local association.
- The chemists' association alleges pressure on officials and retailers due to geo-tagging targets.
- FDA states geo-tagging will streamline oversight and improve compliance for medical stores.
The Karnataka Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has initiated a state-wide geo-tagging of pharmacies, a move that has ignited a dispute with the Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA). The association has voiced concerns to top officials, alleging that the exercise is creating undue pressure on departmental personnel and retailers.
According to the BDCDA, enforcement officers are being pushed to meet geo-tagging targets despite existing staff shortages, with delays being misconstrued as non-performance. The association also pointed out that public awareness campaigns regarding antibiotic misuse are increasingly led by the police, suggesting a need for stronger institutional ownership by the FDA.
In response, Food Safety Commissioner K. Srinivas stated that the geo-tagging aims to accurately map approximately 34,000 licensed medical stores across Karnataka. This initiative will enable better monitoring, including ensuring the mandatory presence of qualified pharmacists, and will create a unified, authenticated database of store locations.
The FDA anticipates that this drive will ultimately strengthen oversight, improve service delivery, and benefit both regulators and licensed pharmacies by bringing uniformity to monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulations.
