NEW DELHI, May 17 -- Local pharmacists across Delhi have expressed growing concern after two counterfeit medicine rackets were recently busted by Delhi Police, urging the government to issue clear guidelines to help chemists distinguish between fake and genuine medicines in the market.
Pharmacists said the recent crackdowns have created panic among retailers and distributors, as even reputed suppliers and experienced chemists were allegedly unable to identify counterfeit medicines. They warned that the circulation of fake drugs could pose a serious public health threat if authorities fail to introduce proper verification systems and awareness programmes for those involved in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
Several chemists also raised concerns regarding low-cost medicines distributed under government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana. While some retailers questioned the authenticity of medicines sold at significantly lower prices, certified pharmacists clarified that cheaper medicines are not necessarily fake or ineffective.
A representative of Amrit Medicos said pharmacists and customers often become suspicious when medicines priced at around Rs 1,000 in regular markets are available for nearly Rs 100 under government schemes. The representative urged authorities to introduce an official verification mechanism for chemists.
Representatives from Vaishisht Medical and Shivam Medicos also called for awareness sessions and training programmes to help pharmacists identify counterfeit medicines and reassure consumers.
However, pharmaceutical professionals rejected claims that Jan Aushadhi medicines are fake, stating that such generic medicines are approved by regulatory authorities and supplied through authorised channels. They said lower prices are due to generic formulations and government subsidies. Chemists have now urged regulators to conduct regular inspections and awareness drives to safeguard public health.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.