Maharashtra: FDA Launches Campaign Against Unauthorized Sale of Medicines By Doctors
Maharashtra: FDA Launches Campaign Against Unauthorized Sale of Medicines By Doctors
In a bid to regulate the sale of medicines, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set to implement new directives starting August 1. The campaign targets not only allopathic practitioners but also those in alternative medicine fields like Ayurvedic, Unani, and Homeopathy. The FDA’s initiative aims to enforce strict compliance with rules governing the distribution of medicines by doctors, amid growing concerns from the medical community.
Doctors across Maharashtra, from urban centers like Mumbai and Pune to rural areas including Nandurbar, Dhule, Jalgaon, and Satara, often provide medicines directly to their patients. This practice, particularly useful for long-term treatments, allows patients to access medicines at lower costs. However, the FDA’s new regulations are causing unease among medical professionals.
This decision, detailed in a circular dated July 16, 2024, aims to ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act, 1940, and specifically the provisions of Schedule K of the D&C Rules, 1945.
The FDA’s new rules stipulate that doctors must maintain proper records of medicine purchases, issue bills, and ensure that medicines are only provided to their patients. Any deviation from these guidelines will lead to scrutiny and potential reporting to the Maharashtra Medical Council. Doctors are concerned that these regulations may lead to increased harassment and hinder their ability to provide affordable medicines to patients.
Abhay Pandey, President of the All Food and Drugs License Holders Association, expressed concerns that the campaign could adversely impact patients who rely on reasonably priced medicines provided by doctors. He highlighted that a lack of clear criteria for the types and quantities of medicines to be kept could lead to confusion and unintended consequences for those in need.
In contrast, FDA Joint Commissioner (Drugs) Dr. Gahane noted that the move was prompted by complaints about doctors selling medicines in a manner akin to drug stores. The FDA’s campaign will include undercover checks where doctors will be tested as consumers to verify if medicines are being dispensed appropriately.
While the FDA’s focus is on ensuring compliance, many in the medical field argue that greater attention should be given to the illegal sale of medicines from drug stores, questioning when such issues will be addressed more rigorously.
