Ketamine, the anesthetic drug is going to be available only over the counter without proper prescription, in India. For showing how much and to whom the drug has been sold the chemists will have to keep a prescription with them for atleast two years. The decision to shift the medicine from Schedule H to Schedule X was taken up by a drug consultative committee during their meeting which took place last week.

The drugs which are in Schedule X need special care to be taken. The decision was taken since there were many complaints of its misuse. In a statement Dr Surinder Singh, DCGI said that India as a country is fast becoming a source for getting cheaper Ketamine for many of the South Eastern nation.

That is why it had to be shifted into the special side. While, government has got this to say, the chemists are unhappy with the step. This is because for keeping the drug with them they need to do heavy documentation. In case they are unable to follow any of the guidelines then they are liable for harsh measure taken by State Food and Drug Administration.