Withdrawal syndrome

The drug trade in India for the past few months has been receiving special attention from the regulators and the concerned ministries. Even as the issue of huge trade margins and ‘MRP inclusive of excise’ continue to elude proper resolution, the trade is now caught up in a ‘psychotropic’ seizure of sorts, first giving Mumbai blues and then an all-India depression subsequently. This was triggered by three raids in the city on traders under the Narcotics Act. What may have started off as a local protest initially by the retailers not to stock the entire range of anti-depressants and tranquilizers, has gone on to an all-India withdrawal putting innumerable patients to sleepless nights. One cannot comment on any behind-the-scene motives, but the trade is apparently reacting violently akin to the withdrawal symptoms it has caused to its customers, wittingly or unwittingly. Again, the drug industry which is dependant on the trade to keep goods moving, is surprisingly silent and acquiescent on this matter. It is evident that in times of adversity, one cannot be left alone to bear the brunt of the fight and unity is essential to confront an impediment. But as the oriental saying goes, when two elephants fight, it is the grass that gets trampled. Whatever the merits or demerits of the government’s action, succour to the harried and addicted patients may not be round the bend yet, atleast till the intended hue and cry awakens the government to heed and listen to everyone’s interests.

There is no doubt that these drugs are being misused, but this has been happening for a long time now and people have got hooked to such habit forming drugs. The industry is pleased to supply and promote in a domestic setting where toplines are primary and the retailer is equally happy to hand over to customers irrespective of them being prescribed by the doctors, as long as his daily sales grows. Sales of psychotropic drugs at about five per cent of the total domestic drug sales is no small matter for the industry or trade. Psychiatrists, medical consultants or GPs are genuinely concerned for their patients, some of who definitely need these drugs if their violent withdrawal symptoms have to be kept under control. So, is the drug trade free to decide doing as it pleases even if some of the record-keeping documentation is irksome and voluminous? Their withdrawal may appear to be a defensive stance, but they are using the plight of the patients to their advantage and this should not be condoned. If the government has woken up to the patient’s plight, it could atleast begin with asking companies producing these drugs to despatch consignments to government stores, hospital pharmacies and other retail pharmacy chains. This way, atleast the drugs are available, if not close by. The government could thus take some wind out of the traders’ threats. Ofcourse, the entire trade cannot be penalised, but there is nothing wrong in stricter enforcement of the NDPS Act. The government must have a dialogue with the trade to see that the NDPS Act is workable and viable. If the government’s intent is to reform, it could go stage by stage and bring in discipline. Abrupt decisions negate the very process of reforms.

—nvramamurthy@expressindia.com