Action to be taken against Pharmacies offering abnormal discounts: Karnataka

With 9,547 Janaushadhi Kendras outlets in India and 936 in Karnataka alone, the drugs controller emphasizes the need for immediate action.

The Health Master

June 14, 2023

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Medical Store Pharmacy Medicine Pharmacist — Picture: Pixabay

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Last Updated on July 16, 2023 by The Health Master

Action against Pharmacies offering abnormal discounts

Karnataka Drugs Controller, Bhagoji T Khanapure, has issued a circular addressing the issue of pharmacies, both retail and online, providing excessive discounts on medicines.

The circular also highlights the scrutiny of Pradhan Mantri Bharatiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras (PMBJK) selling branded generics and medical devices that fall outside the government’s specified domain.

With 9,547 Jan Aushadhi Kendras outlets in India and 936 in Karnataka alone, the drugs controller emphasizes the need for immediate action.

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Need for immediate action

Crackdown on Abnormal Discounts:

Khanapure’s communication emphasizes the illegality of offering abnormal discounts by e-pharmacies. Immediate and strict action will be taken against such violators.

Penalties for Displaying Discount Offers:

Pharmacy outlets found displaying boards advertising discount offers will face severe penalties. The drugs controller emphasizes the need to curb this practice.

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Monitoring PMBJK:

The circular stresses the close monitoring of PMBJK establishments that sell branded generics and medical devices not specified by the government. This ensures adherence to regulatory standards.

Wholesalers’ Rebate Offerings:

Certain wholesalers have been observed directly connecting with patients or customers and providing them with discounts. Such practices will be closely monitored and addressed by the drugs control enforcement team.

Maintenance of Pharmacists’ Records:

Pharmacies are required to maintain a record of appointed pharmacists and their daily presence for dispensing drugs. The attendance register will be validated by the drugs control enforcement team, and a report will be submitted to the department.

Cracking Down on Violations:

Attempting to attract customers to pharmacy outlets through pricing discounts is a severe violation of regulations, particularly considering the rising healthcare costs. Medicines account for 90 percent of a patient’s expenses.

The drugs controller, Khanapure, emphasizes the need for increased vigilance by enforcement officers to ensure adherence to regulations.

Validation of Stocks and Surveillance:

The enforcement officers have been directed to authenticate medicine stocks and sales receipts at Jan Aushadhi stores.

Additionally, intensified surveillance will be conducted to identify pharmacy outlets offering rebates, and action will be taken against wholesalers supplying medicines directly to customers.

Collaborative Efforts:

These initiatives follow the in-person interactions held on June 3, 2023, involving:

The Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors Organization (KPRDO),
Karnataka’s minister for health and family welfare,
Dinesh Gundu Rao,
The state principal secretary to the health and family welfare department,
TK Anil Kumar,
Karnataka drugs controller, Bhagoji T Khanapure.

C Jayaram, president of KPRDO, submitted a memorandum addressing concerns affecting the future of brick and mortar pharmacy outlets.

Conclusion:

Karnataka drugs controller, Bhagoji T Khanapure, has taken a firm stance against pharmacies offering abnormal discounts and has called for strict action against violators.

The circular also emphasizes monitoring PMBJK establishments, addressing wholesalers’ rebate offerings, and ensuring proper record-keeping at pharmacies.

These measures aim to uphold regulatory standards and safeguard the interests of both patients and the healthcare system.

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