After Top Drugs Failing Quality Test, Chemist Lobby Prescribes Retailers Not Buy Stocks from Unknown Sellers

The lobby of brick-and-mortar chemist shops has instructed every local pharmacist to “strictly avoid purchasing from unknown sellers”, following several commonly used medicines failing a quality test in August, suggesting they could be fake.

In a letter dated September 27, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) – the largest body representing more than 10 lakh offline chemists across India – informed its members that several leading medicine brands had been flagged in a government alert for not meeting quality standards. Since the companies have asserted that these products were not manufactured by them, the lobby has reminded all chemists to source their stocks only from “reliable and verified” suppliers, even if other sources offer more benefits or discounts.

Test failed

The move was driven by several popular antacids, fever reducers, antibiotics, and high blood pressure medicines being flagged in the monthly drug alert issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). Pharmaceutical companies have denied manufacturing these products, claiming they are counterfeit or fake. This places the responsibility on chemists, as CDSCO inspectors collect samples from retail pharmacies.

Thus, AIOCD has asked chemists to source their stocks from companies rather than dubious channels that may introduce counterfeit drugs into the supply chain under the guise of higher profit margins.

What does the letter say?

According to the letter written by AIOCD’s president  JS Shinde and general secretary Rajiv Singhal, “The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a drug alert for August, identifying that samples of more than 50 drugs, including commonly used medications like paracetamol, Pan D, calcium, vitamin D3 supplements, and anti-diabetes pills, have been found to be not of standard quality.”

Shinde and Singhal briefed the entire incident to AIOCD members, adding, “These drugs are allegedly manufactured by several renowned companies. However, the companies have stated that the substandard products were not manufactured by them.”

AIOCD hence concluded that “In light of this, it is our prime responsibility to remind all our members to purchase medicines only from reliable and verified sources.”

The letter advised organisation’s members to “Please strictly avoid buying from unknown sellers, even if they offer additional benefits or discounts. Always prioritize doing business with your known and trusted fellow members.”