FDA Maharashtra Issues Notice Regarding Patients Forced To Buy Medicines From Hospital Stores

Pune, 10th December 2022: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of Maharashtra has stated that it has received frequent complaints that patients are forced to buy medicines from the hospital drug store.

In an official circular, the FDA has reminded the Divisional Joint Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, and Drug Inspectors (Drugs) that it is illegal for a hospital to force patients to buy their medicines from their affiliated stores.

The circular further said, “Patients don’t need to buy medicines from the shop itself. Hospital patients and their relatives can purchase medicines from any licensed drug dealer. Hospitals should prominently display a signboard in a visible area where patients can see it.”

The Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 states that patients do not have to necessarily purchase medicines from hospital drug stores.