Summary
Highlights
This section introduces the Poison Act 1952, designed to regulate the importation, possession, manufacturing, compounding, storage, transport, sale, and use of poisons. It also outlines the six key learning outcomes of the video, including understanding poison classifications, specific sections and regulations of the act, and the roles of pharmacists regarding poisons.
The Poison Act of 1952 established the Poison Board to classify chemicals and advise the Ministry of Health. Pharmaceutical products are categorized into Scheduled Poisons (Control Medication) and Non-Scheduled Poisons (OTC/GCM). Scheduled Poisons contain substances listed in the First Schedule, like antibiotics and anti-hypertensives, while Non-Scheduled Poisons are not listed and include items like paracetamol and topical antiseptics.
Scheduled poisons are further subcategorized into Group A, B, C, and D. A poison is defined as any substance named in the Poison List, including preparations, solutions, compounds, mixtures, or natural substances containing it. The First Schedule of the Poison List details Part One (Groups A, B, C, D) and Part Two poisons, such as potassium permanganate.
The Second Schedule lists articles exempted from the Poison Act, including items like certain glues and pencils. The Third Schedule, under Section 30, enumerates psychotropic substances like Clonazepam, Clobazam, Diazepam, and Zolpidem, which are subject to strict control.
Several sections of the Poison Act govern the handling of poisons: Section 8 (Import Control by licensed individuals), Section 9 (Packaging, Labeling, and Storage), Section 12 (Control of Compounding by registered pharmacists or medical practitioners), Section 16 (Retail Sale by licensed individuals), Section 17 (Prohibition of Sale to under-18s except for medical treatment), and Section 19 (Supply for treatment by professionals like doctors, dentists, and veterinarians for non-Group A poisons).
Section 20 dictates that Group A poisons can only be sold or supplied wholesale by licensed wholesalers. Section 21 states Group B poisons can only be sold retail via prescription from a medical practitioner, dentist, or veterinary officer or by a licensed pharmacist. Prescriptions for Group B poisons require specific details. Section 22 covers Group C poisons, which are similar to Group B in sale regulations. Section 24 mandates that all poison sales must be recorded in prescription books, while Group D poisons also require detailed purchaser information. Section 26 details the licensing of pharmacies (Type A license) for importing, storing, and dealing in poisons wholesale and/or retail.
Regulation 10 outlines labeling requirements for Part One poisons, including using the word 'POISON' in red, and 'NOT TO BE TAKEN' or 'FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY' for external preparations. Regulation 12 specifies information required on dispensed medication labels, such as supplier and patient names, medication details, directions, delivery date, and serial number. Regulation 9 mandates 'CONTROLLED MEDICATION' on containers. Regulation 23 covers the supply of poisons to outpatients in hospitals, requiring hospital and medication details, and 'ANIMAL TREATMENT ONLY' for veterinary use.
Section 30 of the Poison Act specifically controls the import, export, manufacturing, sale, and use of psychotropic substances listed in the Third Schedule. The video then highlights the privileges of registered pharmacists (ROA), including being the only licensed individuals to import, conduct wholesale business, act as drug enforcement officers, and dispense, compound, and mix poisons. Section 31 grants drug enforcement officers, who are registered pharmacists in public service, powers of investigation and entry into premises to ensure compliance with the act.