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The Chemists Association of Pune District (CAPD) has sounded a warning over private doctors in Pune alleged indulging in the illegal sale of drugs. In a letter to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and Health Minister, the association has requested the government to act immediately against this breach of drug rules.
Violation of Drug and Medical Council Rules
As per the CAPD, physicians can distribute drugs to their patients under some conditions. Private physicians, however, are said to be hoarding and selling drugs, a contravention of Schedule K of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Demand for inspection and strict regulations
The organization has called for the Maharashtra government to launch an immediate inspection to find the doctors who are indulging in this illegal practice. In its letter of complaint, CAPD has asked the authorities to frame a clear policy to check such violations and keep patients safe. Additionally, it has called for hefty penalties and legal action against doctors who have been found guilty of selling medicines illegally.
The sale of medicines without regulation poses health risks to the public.
CAPD Vice President Vivek Tapkir cautioned that drugs being marketed directly by physicians might not pass proper regulatory tests, which creates doubts about the quality and storage conditions.
Legal and registered pharmacists suffer financial losses as doctors bypass pharmacies and directly sell medicines to patients. Besides, the sale of medicines is subject to GST and other taxes. However, when doctors sell medicines without proper billing, the government loses significant tax revenue
President Vivek Tapkir, CAPD Vice President
Physicians justify their ability to prescribe medicines.
However, not all medical practitioners are in line with the CAPD. Dr. Sanjay Patil, chairman of the Hospital Board of India (Pune chapter), made it clear that registered medical practitioners have the right to dispense medicines to patients under consultation as per law.
The patients are charged for these medicines which the doctors include in the consultation fees. Doctors as an emergency keep few medicines in stock and their records are maintained. During an emergency doctors can provide medicines to other doctors. However, private practitioners cannot sell the medicines to patients of other doctors
Dr. Sanjay Patil, Chairman of the Hospital Board of India (Pune)
Regulatory authorities tight-lipped
Efforts were made multiple times, Pune Region FDA (Drugs) Joint Commissioner Girish Hukare could not be contacted for his comments on the matter.
As the demand of doctors for strict regulation and action against illegal sales of drugs remains on the rise, chemists have called for the government's intervention before the situation becomes difficult to handle.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal/MSM)
