Pune Chemists Demand Action Against Doctors Allegedly Selling Medicines Illegally
Pune Chemists Demand Action Against Doctors Allegedly Selling Medicines Illegally
Chemists across Pune have urged the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce uniform regulations for both doctors and chemists. They allege that while chemists must strictly adhere to FDA rules, doctors are selling medicines at their clinics or hospitals without proper authorization. However, doctors have refuted these claims, stating that they are not in the business of selling medicines.
Anil Belkar, Secretary of the Chemists Association of Pune District, told Pune Pulse, “FDA takes action against chemists if medicines are sold without the presence of a pharmacist. However, at private clinics and hospitals, nurses or other staff members dispense medicines without a pharmacist. This should not be allowed.”
He further alleged, “Many doctors sell medicines without following guidelines, often without issuing bills, which helps them evade income tax and GST. Some doctors, especially dermatologists, sell products as part of treatment packages, such as hair oils and creams for hair transplants.”
“Chemists must maintain a patient register for the sale of Schedule H and H1 drugs, but the FDA does not enforce this rule for doctors. This discriminatory approach is taking a toll on chemists’ mental health,” Belkar added.
Schedule H and H1 medicines require a doctor’s prescription and cannot be sold over the counter.
Meanwhile, doctors have denied the allegations, arguing that they are being unfairly targeted.
