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Our Bureau

Bangalore , Jan. 20

INDIA should follow the UK in allowing the sale of Simvastatin, a natural cholesterol-lowering drug, over the counter (OTC), dispensing with the practice of a doctor's prescription to buy the drug.

Stating this here on Thursday, Dr B.G. Muralidhara, heart specialist and Chief Cardiologist, Trinity Hospital and Heart Foundation, said that since there was no cure available yet for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD), every possible recourse available would be welcome. Particularly when the incidence of CAD was growing at an alarming rate in the country, the drug should be made available in an unrestricted manner. Dr Muralidhara said the Government should take steps to relax the rule for obtaining the drug through a doctor's prescription.

With about five crore people suffering from CAD and risk factors such as obesity, cigarette smoking, physical inactivity, hypertension, unhealthy diet and various other causes increasing the risk of CAD by manifold, emphasis should be given to preventive steps. With the advancement in medical science, availability of drug options to combat the scourge should be encouraged by their easier access.

Dr Muralidhara said, making simvastatin available through the OTC route would help in reducing the incidence of serious cardiac disorders and save huge costs on surgeries.

He said studies have concluded that simvastatin reduces mortality due to CAD in patients having suffered heart attacks in the past with high levels of cholesterol and it was safe when used for a longer period.

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