Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur
Jaipur, Oct 5: The Rajasthan Health Department has issued stringent directives to ensure the safe use of medicines under the Chief Minister’s Free Medicine Scheme and to curb adverse drug reactions. Principal Secretary Gayatri Rathore emphasized that medicines should only be taken under the guidance of a registered doctor, warning against self-medication and holding individuals accountable for any negligence leading to side effects.
To raise awareness, frontline health workers including ASHA, ANM, and CHO teams will conduct door-to-door surveys statewide, educating families on the importance of timely medical consultation, safe medicine storage away from children, and adherence to prescribed dosages.
During a recent video conference, Rathore highlighted concerns over recent cases where children experienced severe side effects after consuming cough syrups without prescriptions. She stressed that pharmacists must not dispense medicines without valid prescriptions, and doctors should strictly follow protocol, especially for pediatric patients. Clear communication about dosage, frequency, and potential side effects to patients and caregivers was mandated.
Hospitals and health centers have been instructed to stay vigilant amid the rise in cough, cold, and fever cases post-monsoon, with specific attention to age-appropriate prescriptions and adequate testing and treatment facilities.
Mission Director NHM, Dr. Amit Yadav, cautioned against giving children under four years medicines containing dextromethorphan. The public was urged to avoid using expired or leftover medicines without medical advice and to immediately contact helplines 104/108 or the state control room in case of serious symptoms like breathing difficulties, fainting, vomiting, or seizures.
Dr Ravi Prakash Sharma, Director of Public Health, directed doctors to clearly indicate dosage and timing on prescriptions and to ensure patients understand them. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Madhu Rateshwar, Director of RCH, and other senior officials.