Czech confusion over pseudoephedrine status

A conflict has developed between the Czech Republic's Health Minister, Daniela Filipiova, and the Parliament over the control of cold and  influenza products containing pseudoephedrine. A recent draft law  presented to the legislature now includes an amendment to classify the  active ingredient as an addictive substance for prescription only. Ms  Filipiova opposes this move, partly on the grounds that forcing more  people with colds to visit physician surgeries is a waste of time and  will increase the risk of other patients being infected.

The ingredient is used in the manufacture of the illegal narcotic  methylamphetamine. The Health Minister argues that the new requirement  for pharmacists to be shown an insurance card before selling cold or  flu remedies will enable suspiciously large numbers of transactions to  be monitored.