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 The Karnataka Pharma Retailers & Distributors Organization (KPRDO) has cautioned the public against the rampant unauthorized medicine substitution and misleading discount practices.
In this regard, we have issued a public advisory urging patients to remain vigilant while purchasing medicines from pharmacies offering heavy discounts on branded medicines and private-label products, said C Jayaram, president, KPRDO.
Unauthorized medicine substitution and misleading discount practices are unethical and potentially harmful to consumers. Substituting a prescribed medicine with another product without the prescribing doctor's approval or the patient's informed consent can compromise treatment effectiveness and patient safety.
Similarly, advertising false or exaggerated discounts misleads customers into believing they are receiving better value than they are actually, undermining trust and fair competition. Some pharmacy chains advertise 20% discount on branded medicines and 50-80% discount on their own private-label brands. Such practices violate consumer rights, professional ethics, and, in many jurisdictions, pharmaceutical and consumer protection regulations. Pharmacies and healthcare providers should ensure transparency, obtain proper consent for any substitutions, and provide accurate pricing information to maintain public confidence and safeguard patient welfare. Some pharmacy chains advertise 20% discount on branded medicines and 50-80% discount on their own private-label brands, stated Jayaram.
The Organisation has received concerns that, in some instances, medicines prescribed by doctors may be substituted with different brands without the patient's proper knowledge or informed consent. Such practices, if carried out without complying with applicable legal and professional requirements, may mislead patients and undermine confidence in prescription-based treatment, said Jayaram adding that we advise the public to carefully verify that the medicines dispensed match the doctor's prescription and to seek clarification from the pharmacist if any substitution is made.
Therefore, we see the need to always verify that the medicine dispensed matches the doctor's prescription. The consumers should ask the pharmacist whether any substitution has been made and the reason for it. It is better not to accept a substitute medicine unless it has been properly explained and is legally and professionally appropriate, said Jayaram.
Now we have urged the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Karnataka, to examine complaints relating to unauthorized medicine substitution and to take appropriate action wherever violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules are established. The organization has also requested that regulatory enforcement be applied uniformly to all pharmacies, irrespective of whether they are standalone establishments or corporate pharmacy chains.
KPRDO emphasized its continued commitment to prioritizing patient health, safety, and informed decision-making as core principles of responsible pharmacy practice. The organization highlighted that strong ethical standards are critical to ensuring quality care, protecting public interests, and strengthening trust in the healthcare sector, said Jayaram.
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