We have all at some point come across chemists selling more than the prescribed medicines. While the doctor prescribes five pills, we are often forced into buying an entire strip, which not only makes us pay more but the remaining tablets also lay strewn around the house.
To put an end to this practice, the Centre is examining a proposal that could require pharmacies to dispense medicines strictly in the quantity prescribed by doctors. The move, discussed by the Drug Consultative Committee (DCC), seeks to address complaints that patients are often forced to buy full strips of medicines even when fewer tablets are needed.
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The issue was taken up after a public grievance flagged the practice of pharmacies refusing to cut strips or sell loose tablets, leading to higher out-of-pocket expenses.
According to meeting records quoted by News 18, the committee "deliberated the matter and recommended to refer the matter to the sub-committee already constituted in the 66th meeting of DCC dated 17.06.2025 to examine the matters of labelling."
Chemists seek consultation, flag risks
The proposal has drawn a strong response from the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which has written to Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi urging caution.
In its letter, the body was quoted as saying by News 18, "We understand the concern that patients should not be compelled to purchase medicines in excess of their prescribed requirement. However, while supporting the intent of the proposal, certain practical and regulatory challenges need to be carefully addressed."
Among the key concerns raised are financial losses, safety risks, and lack of stakeholder consultation.
Financial and safety concerns highlighted
AIOCD warned that dispensing loose tablets could leave chemists with unsellable partial strips. "These cut strips cannot be returned to stockists or manufacturers, leading to direct financial loss for chemists," the letter said, adding that "medicine prices and margins are already fixed by the government".
The organisation also flagged safety issues linked to cutting strips. "One of the most critical concerns is related to drug safety and traceability: cutting strips often results in loss of batch number and expiry date visibility," it noted, pointing to risks in recalls and complaint handling.
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On consultation, the body said, "To the best of our knowledge, such a significant operational change has not been discussed in detail with trade bodies like the AIOCD prior to this proposal." It stressed that "trade bodies are taken into confidence" and "practical ground-level challenges are incorporated into policy decisions."
Alternatives and next steps
Instead of rejecting the proposal outright, AIOCD suggested changes such as flexible pack sizes, better labelling on individual tablets, and a return mechanism for unused stock. It also said, "Chemists can't not give medicine suo moto must be allowed to dispense loose quantities where feasible, rather than making it mandatory."
The matter is now with a DCC sub-committee, and its outcome is expected to shape how pharmacies balance patient convenience with operational challenges.
