Introduction
The illicit use of pharmaceutical products for recreational purposes represents a significant public health and regulatory challenge. In states with strict prohibition, the diversion of prescription drugs like codeine-based cough syrups highlights the limitations of purely punitive policies and underscores the need for robust supply chain surveillance.
Why in News?
- Reports have identified a rising trend in the illicit trade and consumption of codeine-based cough syrups.
- These substances are being utilized as substitutes for alcohol in regions where traditional liquor is legally prohibited.
- Increased law enforcement seizures have brought the regulatory oversight of Schedule H and H1 drugs under scrutiny.
Static Link
- Subject: Internal Security and Governance.
- Concept: Substance abuse and its intersection with the black market. UPSC often tests the ability to connect social policy (prohibition) with unintended economic and security consequences (black marketing of substitutes).
- Potential Questions: UPSC may focus on the legal framework governing controlled substances or the constitutional mandate of states regarding public health and intoxicating drinks (Article 47).
Institutional Link
- CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation): Under the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. It is the national regulatory body for drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics.
- DCGI (Drug Controller General of India): Heads the CDSCO; responsible for the approval of licenses of specified categories of drugs.
- Role: Ensures the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs. It operates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
- Trap: UPSC often creates traps between the roles of the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and the CDSCO. While NCB handles illicit trafficking and enforcement of the NDPS Act, CDSCO regulates pharmaceutical compliance.
Core Prelims Facts
- Codeine is an opioid derivative used as a cough suppressant, categorized as a narcotic under the NDPS Act.
- Schedule H and H1 drugs: These categories under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules require a physical, signed prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
- NDPS Act, 1985: The principal legislation that prohibits the manufacture, possession, sale, and use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances except for medical or scientific purposes.
Important Terms and Concepts
- Substance Substitution: The phenomenon where individuals shift from a prohibited substance to an accessible alternative with similar psychoactive effects.
- Schedule H/H1 Drugs: Pharmaceutical drugs that cannot be sold without a prescription; H1 drugs have stricter monitoring requirements to prevent abuse.
Bodies / Organisations / Institutions
- CDSCO: National regulatory body for pharmaceutical standards.
- Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment: Nodal ministry for the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR).
- State Drug Control Departments: Responsible for the inspection of pharmacies and oversight of drug retail within the state.
Schemes / Laws / Reports / Conventions
- Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985: Provides the legal framework for controlling addictive substances.
- National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR): A government initiative focused on preventive education, awareness, and rehabilitation of drug-dependent individuals.
Possible UPSC Prelims Traps
- Act Confusion: Mistaking the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (governing drug quality/sale) for the NDPS Act (governing controlled substances).
- Jurisdictional Traps: Attributing the regulation of pharmacies to the Ministry of Home Affairs instead of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Absolute Statements: Questions claiming that prohibition strictly eliminates substance abuse are common traps; the ground reality often shows a shift to illicit alternatives.
One-Minute Revision Notes
- Codeine is an opioid regulated under the NDPS Act, 1985.
- CDSCO is the national body for drug quality and retail monitoring.
- Schedule H/H1 drugs require mandatory medical prescriptions.
- Prohibition policies often lead to the growth of illicit, substitute, or shadow markets.
- NAPDDR is the central scheme for addressing drug demand and rehabilitation.
Practice MCQ for Prelims
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the regulation of pharmaceutical drugs in India:
1. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) is a statutory body established under the NDPS Act, 1985.
2. Codeine-based cough syrups are classified as controlled substances, and their retail sale requires a prescription under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.
3. The National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR) is implemented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3
Answer: B
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because CDSCO operates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, not the NDPS Act. Statement 3 is incorrect because the NAPDDR is implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, not the Ministry of Health. Statement 2 is correct.
Original Article: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/codeine-cough-syrup-abuse-bihar-alcohol-ban-10715257/
Full Current Affairs Analysis: https://iasment.com/combating-drug-abuse-in-bihar-the-rise-of-codeine-based-cough-syrups-mains-specific/