Pharmacy Business Actors In Tulungagung “Terrorized” By NGOs

TULUNGAGUNG - A number of pharmacy business actors in Tulungagung Regency, East Java complained about the summons containing the nuances of "terror" sent by the LPK RI Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) regarding the sale of hard drugs outside of a doctor's prescription.

"There were two letters that this NGO sent to pharmacies. The letters contained a summons and an invitation for guidance," said Head of Supplies and Pharmaceuticals of the Tulungagung District Health Office, Masduki, quoted by Antara, Wednesday, May 11.

In the first letter sent on April 28, 2022, the pharmacy was accused of selling hard drugs without a doctor's prescription. With that pretext, the NGO asked the pharmacy owner to attend the socialization about hard drugs.

However, the letter of reprimand/accusation did not receive a response from the majority of pharmacy business actors. This apparently prompted the LPK RI to send a second subpoena.

"We urge the pharmacy business actors to ignore it. There is no need to respond," he said.

Masduki said that there is no legal basis for NGOs to provide guidance to pharmaceutical facilities, including pharmacies.

In accordance with the applicable law, the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Health Office, the District Health Office and the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) have the right to provide guidance to pharmaceutical facilities, pharmacies and drugstores.

Masduki said that many pharmacists felt intimidated by the letter.

According to him, the NGO's authority is limited to its position as a liaison when a conflict occurs in pharmaceutical facilities so that it does not have the authority to provide guidance to pharmacies.

"Even if I challenge you, please report it," said Masduki.

According to him, pharmacies have the authority to sell mandatory pharmacy drugs (OWA) 1-3.

Confirmed regarding this matter, General Chairperson of LPK RI, Fais Adam admitted that he had sent letters to dozens of pharmacies in Tulungagung.

Asked about the purpose of sending the letter, Fais explained that he had found that pharmacies were selling hard drugs without a doctor's prescription, one of which was an antibiotic, amoxicillin.

"We just remind you not to sell hard drugs without a doctor's prescription," he said.