The Puducherry administration has intensified enforcement against private chemists violating the ban on the sale of anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs, in accordance with the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme. Joint raids conducted by the State TB Cell and the Department of Drugs Control aim to prevent unauthorized sales and educate chemists about the public health risks associated with improper dispensing of TB medications. Since the 2017 ban, which mandates that anti-TB drugs be dispensed only through government sources to ensure treatment adherence and reduce drug-resistant TB cases, efforts have been strengthened following reports of non-compliance.
To further support these measures, the administration has held multiple awareness sessions with wholesalers, retailers, and pharmacists, instructing them to report TB cases using standardized forms. This reporting system enables the State TB Officer to track patients and ensure they complete their treatment regimen. Additionally, dedicated teams conduct regular visits to private clinics to engage with practitioners, emphasizing the importance of notifying TB cases and supporting full treatment adherence. These actions have significantly decreased the sale of anti-TB drugs through private channels, with most chemists voluntarily withdrawing TB medications due to low demand.
The crackdown reflects Puducherry’s commitment to curbing the rise of Multi-Drug-Resistant TB, a serious threat resulting from incomplete treatment and unregulated drug availability. Since the intensified enforcement began, eight joint raids have been conducted, leading to prosecution against violators. Private practitioners have also become more proactive in reporting TB cases, ensuring that all patients receive free treatment through government programs and continuous monitoring. This comprehensive approach has yielded notable success in controlling TB treatment adherence and safeguarding public health in the region.
