Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has raised serious concerns over the practice of administering injections to patients in medicine shops across the state. All CDMOs (Chief District Medical Officers) have been issued letters instructing them to ensure such practices are stopped immediately. If any medicine shop is found violating this directive, strict action will be taken against them.
The government has clarified that only trained health workers and facilities with adequate medical infrastructure are authorized to administer injections. This ensures that in case of any adverse reaction, immediate medical attention can be provided. Administering injections in medicine shops can endanger patients, especially if side effects occur, such as allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock, which require urgent treatment that cannot be handled by pharmacy staff.
The Health Department has directed district-level officials to inspect medicine shops and ensure compliance. In case any complaints are received in the future, the State Drugs Control Directorate will inspect the concerned shops and submit a report to the Health Department.
Health experts have welcomed this decision, stating that injections like antibiotics and vaccines can cause severe side effects, which must be treated instantly—something not feasible at a regular pharmacy.
Notable Incidents:
In 2023, a 6-year-old child in Jajpur district, suffering from diarrhea, was given two injections at a pharmacy without a doctor’s prescription, and subsequently lost consciousness. The child was declared dead at the district hospital. The family filed a police complaint.
In 2020, a 27-year-old youth in Dhenkanal died after receiving a Diclofenac painkiller injection from a medicine shop. Police later sealed the shop involved in the incident.
This directive is a preventive step to ensure patient safety and curb unauthorized medical practices.