Last Updated on March 8, 2025 by The Health Master
Discount
The Punjab State Pharmacy Council (SPC) has taken a stern action against the practice of displaying discount boards outside medical shops, pharmacies
This move aims to ensure adherence to the Pharmacy Act 1948 and promote fair competition with respect to the pharmaceutical sector.
Dr. Preeti Padda, registrar of the SPC, confirmed that following a public notice issued earlier this month, medical store, pharmacy owners have begun removing these discount boards.
Stricter Enforcement of Pharmacy Regulations
The SPC’s crackdown follows numerous complaints regarding the display of discount boards, which the council deems a violation of the Pharmacy Act 1948.
Dr. Padda emphasized that stringent measures, including the potential cancellation of registration, will be taken against pharmacies that continue this practice.
The council, which currently registers 66,000 pharmacists, issued a clear warning to all registered pharmacists and medical shop owners in Punjab.
Drug Quality and Patient Trust
Sushil Bansal, president of the Punjab SPC, clarified that the council is not against discounts on MRP of the medicines.
However, he stressed that all medical stores, pharmacies must run as per the regulations of the Pharmacy Act 1948 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.
He explained, displaying discount boards is not permitted under the Pharmacy Act 1948.
SPC is concern about the compromising the drug quality associated with discounted medicines.
Bansal highlighted the possibility that drugs sold at discounted rates might not be acquired from the authorised sources which may raise questions about their authenticity and efficacy.
He asserted that pharmacies should not involve in these types of marketing tactics to attract customers.
While discounts of medicines are not illegal, advertising this by means of displaying boards is a violation of the rules.
The council’s action is therefore aimed at protecting patients by ensuring the quality and integrity of the medications they purchase.
Playing Field for Pharmacies
The SPC president also pointed out the issue of unfair competition.
This practice creates an uneven playing field for smaller pharmacies, which struggle to compete with larger players.
Bansal further argued that such advertising for discounts constitutes a violation of Section 4 of the Competition Act 2002, potentially subjecting violators to penalties from the Competition Commission.
Issue of Diploma Holders
Regarding the recruitment of pharmacists, Dr. Padda clarified that the current minimum qualification for government pharmacist positions is a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) degree.
While diploma holders (D.Pharm) who were recruited prior to this requirement continue to serve, new government hires must possess a B.Pharm degree.
The Future of Pharma Practices
SPC acknowledges the removal of many discount boards from the medical stores, pharmacies.
SPC also aware that some medical stores, pharmacies may use social media to advertise discounts.
The council has indicated that it will take action against such online promotions as well.
The SPC’s actions signal a commitment to enforcing regulations, ensuring drug quality, and promoting fair competition within the pharmaceutical landscape of Punjab.
Q: Is offering discounts on medicines in Punjab illegal?
A: No, offering discounts is not illegal. However, advertising these discounts by displaying boards outside medical stores is a violation of the Pharmacy Act.
Q: What is the main concern of Punjab State Pharmacy Council regarding discount boards?
A: The SPC is mainly concerned about potential compromises in drug quality and efficacy.
Q: What action has been taken by SPC against pharmacies displaying discount boards?
A: The SPC has issued a public notice warning pharmacies against this practice which may lead to cancellation of registration under the Pharmacy Act 1948.
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
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