New Delhi, March 6 -- The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has strongly and unequivocally opposed the proposal to grant restricted drug licenses in Forms 20A and 21A to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS).

The organisation has termed the proposal a matter of serious concern for public health, patient safety, and the national drug regulatory framework.

"Medicines are life-saving products. They cannot be treated at par with agricultural chemicals. Drug dispensing must strictly remain under the supervision of trained and registered pharmacists. Any dilution would amount to a risky experiment with public health," AIOCD President JS Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal said.

According to AIOCD, Rules 6...