No More Discount Banners for Pharmacies in Maharashtra

Discount pharmacies engaging in unfair trade practices have come under scrutiny.

March 5, 2024

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Pharmacist Medical Store Pharmacy — Picture: Pixabay

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Last Updated on May 11, 2024 by The Health Master

Pharmacies

In a recent move that has sent shockwaves through the pharmaceutical community, the Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council (MSPC) has issued a stern circular to all Pharmacies / medical shops and registered pharmacists within the state.

The directive is clear – remove any boards or banners offering discounts on drug prices immediately, or face severe consequences as outlined in the Pharmacy Practice Regulations (PPR) 2015.

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Understanding the PPR Regulations

Chapter 7 and 8: The Ethical Boundaries

According to Chapter 7 and 8 of the PPR, registered pharmacists are prohibited from soliciting or canvassing patients with a profit motive for themselves or their employers.

Any such activity is deemed unethical and illegal. The circular emphasizes that if such unethical actions are found, the MSPC holds the authority to cancel the registration of the pharmacist.

President’s Warning

Atul Ahire, the president of the MSPC, spoke, affirming the council’s readiness to take strict actions.

He highlighted that unethical means of conducting the medicine business, especially with the support of registered pharmacists, will not be tolerated.

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Unfair Trade Practices and Legal Consequences

Council’s Actions and Reporting to Authorities

Discount pharmacies engaging in unfair trade practices have come under scrutiny.

The MSPC plans to report such cases to the Competition Commission of India and other relevant government authorities in the state.

Atul Ahire confirmed that any violation of PPR provisions by registered pharmacists could result in the cancellation of their registrations.

Collaboration with FDA

The MSPC is set to collaborate with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to initiate legal actions against pharmacies involved in unethical trade practices.

The council also plans to inform the Competition Commission of India about these unfair practices.

Urgent Measures and Public Complaints

Pressing for Immediate Action

Council leaders pressed for urgent action against PPR violations, meeting with the FDA commissioner in Mumbai.

The adverse effects of discount offerings by certain pharmacies were highlighted, and the circular was issued after a thorough deliberation by the executive committee.

Public Complaints

Complaints from the general public about Pharmacies / medical stores displaying banners offering discounts prompted the MSPC to take swift action.

Announcing discounts on drug prices is considered an unfair trade practice, and the council aims to curb this trend.

Countermeasures Against NSQs

Raid and Seizure Operations

Pointing to recent raids and seizures of sub-standard and spurious drugs in Maharashtra and other states, the MSPC took action to counter the flow of Non-Standard Quality (NSQ) drugs.

The executive committee issued notices to discount pharmacies, demanding the removal of posters and banners advertising significant price reductions.

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