Banned drugs still sold

Nimesulide, Rafecoxib, Analgin are banned drugs, but are still sold in markets without the doctor's prescription. There are a number of Hospitals that sell these drugs, which are have a harmful effect on the body.

NIMESULIDE, RAFECOXIB, Analgin are banned drugs but are still sold in market without the doctor's prescription.

"Nimesulide, the anti-inflammatory drug was being used mostly to treat pain, which affects the muscles and bones and in menstrual cramps," said Dr Nagraj, General Physician. These banned drugs are harmful to heart and liver but continue to be available at several medical stores across Bangalore.

"It is simple to get pills without prescription in any medical shop and I have been using Nimesulide, for a long time," said Avinash, an Engineering Student. Mallya hospital's pharmacy too sells these drugs without prescription. "Nimesulide is available in more than thirty other combinations, all of which are not approved by the drugs controller and are illegal," said Raimaya, a Chemist at Victoria Hospital.

Some of the chemists said they no longer continue to sell the drugs. "We have sent the supply back to the manufacturer," said Raju, a chemist at Mediplus store.

Samson of the Karnataka State Pharmacy Council said that the Policy was last modified in 1994 and was directed towards promoting accelerated growth of the pharmaceutical industry.