Hospitals can’t force Patients to buy medicines from their in house Medical Store

Patients have the freedom to select their preferred medical store.

258
Medical Store Pharmacy Medicine Pharmacist
Picture: Pixabay

Last Updated on December 16, 2024 by The Health Master

Medical Store

In a significant move to protect patient rights and reduce financial burdens, the Commissioner of Food and Drug Control Administration Gujarat (FDCA Gujarat), has issued a directive to all hospitals in the state regarding the purchase of medicines from medical store.

The order mandates that hospitals must prominently display signs at their in house medical stores, clearly stating that patients are not obligated to purchase medicines from them.

Why the Directive?

The FDCA Gujarat Commissioner, HG Koshia, has observed that many hospitals in Gujarat have been pressuring patients to buy medicines exclusively from their in house medical stores.

This practice not only limits patient choice but also often results in higher costs as patients are denied access to more affordable generic alternatives.

Protecting Patient Rights and Reducing Financial Burden

The primary goal of the directive is to empower patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.

By allowing patients to purchase medicines from any medical store of their choice, the FDCA Gujarat aims to:

  • Reduce financial burden: Patients can explore options for more affordable generic medicines.
  • Enhance patient choice: Patients have the freedom to select their preferred medical store.
  • Promote transparency: Hospitals are obligated to be transparent about patient rights.

Compliance with the Clinical Establishments Act

The directive aligns with the provisions of the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010.

This act mandates that all clinical establishments, including hospitals, must adhere to specific standards to protect patient rights and ensure access to quality healthcare services.

One such standard is ensuring that patients are not coerced into purchasing medicines from in house medical stores.

Key Takeaways

  • Gujarat hospitals must display signs informing patients of their right to choose medical stores.
  • The directive aims to reduce financial burdens on patients.
  • Patients have the freedom to purchase medicines from any medical store they prefer.
  • Hospitals must comply with the Clinical Establishments Act.

By implementing this directive, the Gujarat government aims to create a more patient-centric healthcare system that prioritizes affordability, choice, and transparency.

  1. Q: Why is this directive important?

    A: This directive is crucial as it protects patient rights, reduces financial burdens, and promotes transparency in the healthcare sector.

  2. Q: What should patients do if a hospital is not complying with the directive?

    A: Patients can file a complaint with the FDCA or the concerned authorities.

Disclaimer: This article contains information derived from the source mentioned below. Our team utilized an AI language model to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.

For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon

For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon

For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon

For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:

YouTube Icon
Telegram
WhatsApp
Facebook
LinkedIn
YouTube Icon
Google-news