February 16, Kohima: The Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Department has issued a public advisory to ensure the safe and legal use of medicines.
Citizens are urged to purchase medicines only from pharmacies that hold a valid drug license, and to ensure that medicines are dispensed by a registered pharmacist wearing a uniform with a name tag and registration number.
They have also been advised to collect a cash memo for every purchase.
The department has also advised the public to report any adverse drug reaction or serious side effect through the toll-free number 1800-180-3024, or to the District Drugs Control Administration office under the Chief Medical Officer.
The advisory reminded consumers to check key details before use, including brand and generic names, manufacturing and expiry dates, dosage strength, and stressed never to use expired medicines.
The advisory also noted that Schedule H and H1 medicines, which include certain antibiotics, habit-forming drugs, and anti-TB drugs, must only be purchased with a valid prescription, warning that improper use can be dangerous to health.