I am writing to lodge a formal complaint against MedPlus Pharmacy, specifically a branch located in Nallagandla- Hyderabad branch, for engaging in unethical and potentially illegal dispensing practices in violation of patient rights and pharmacy regulations.
During my recent visit to the pharmacy, I presented a valid prescription from a licensed medical practitioner. However, the staff attempted to substitute the prescribed medication with a MedPlus-branded alternative - without informing me of the change or obtaining my consent. This was done in a manner that clearly prioritized the sale of their in-house brand over medically prescribed drugs.
This is not an isolated incident. I have observed a consistent pattern at this pharmacy where patients are routinely encouraged or misled into purchasing MedPlus-branded drugs over the exact medicines prescribed by their doctors. In many cases, patients are not even made aware that a substitution has been made.
Such practices constitute a violation of the:
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, which prohibits the substitution of prescribed medicines without the approval of a registered medical practitioner.
- Pharmacy Act, 1948, which holds pharmacists to professional and ethical standards requiring adherence to prescriptions.
- Consumer Protection Act, 2019, as this qualifies as mis-selling and unfair trade practice.
Additionally, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had previously directed the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to take action against MedPlus for similar behavior, following a complaint filed by the Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association (KCDA). Despite this, such practices seem to be continuing unchecked - at least in Hyderabad.
I request your urgent intervention to:
Investigate the pharmacy’s dispensing practices.
Enforce compliance with relevant pharmaceutical and consumer protection regulations.
Ensure accountability for any unethical or unlawful conduct by MedPlus or its staff.
Sincerely,
S Ghosh
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