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Norms for sale of morphine tablets relaxed

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, Jan. 18

THE Government has amended Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, to liberalise the existing procedures for the sale of morphine tablets and for relaxing the provisions for licensing blood banks in small, mid-zonal and border area hospitals r un by the Armed Forces Medical Services.

The revised provisions will make morphine tablets available not only through the licensed hospitals but also through the regional cancer centres (RCC) and such other palliative care centres as approved by the State Governments, according to an official r elease.

Controls over the sale of morphine tablets were stringent under the Narcotics Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 and Excise Laws.

Sale of morphine tablets requires permit from the State Excise authorities for transportation and storage by the applicant.

Since morphine is required for terminally-ill patients suffering from cancer, the restrictions on their availability had proved a hindrance to providing them relief.

Under the new arrangement, morphine tablets can be purchased by these centres from a dealer or manufacturer who holds a valid licence under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.