When it comes to buying prescription medication in India, consumers need to be smart and vigilant. According to a new report published by the non-profit Asia Drug Safety and Risk Management Network (ADSRMN), Indian pharmacies often engage in practices that result in overcharging for medications and providing inadequate quality control.
Key findings of the report include:
- 87% of the drugstores sampled sold prescription Viagra at prices that were 33% higher than the U.S. average;
- 40% of the drugstores didn’t provide adequate medication information;
- 22% of the drugstores didn’t have a signed doctor’s order as required by law; and
- 17% of the drugstores didn’t have any medication inspections or quality controls performed by regulatory authorities.
What is more, the report found that, despite the fact that India has some of the world’s most complex drug regulations, very few pharmacies have undergone any kind of formal training in dispensing medications. The report also cited how, in some instances, drugstores will mix different medications together without proper consultation or, in some cases, give patients the wrong medication altogether.
How To Buy Medication Safely In India
While there is no easy solution to this issue, as a consumer in India, you can take steps to ensure you get the quality you pay for. The first and most obvious step is to make sure you know the ingredients in the medication you are buying and what they are for. As the report states, “Even if a medicine is considered safe, if it contains substances that are detrimental to your health then it would not be advisable to take it.”
Additionally, make sure you consult with a reputable physician or pharmacist to find out what medication is best suited for your needs. If you have never had any experience with prescription medications, then it might be a good idea to start out small and work your way up to a higher dose or alternative treatment.
One of the main reasons why most people don’t fully understand the importance of ingredients in medications is that most Indian pharmacies don’t disclose them. Even worse, some pharmacies in India will lie to you about the ingredients in their medications. Because most people in India don’t read English very well, they are usually unaware of what is in the medications they are buying and don’t ask questions about the ingredients. This allows the pharmacy to get away with providing them with substandard medication and/or ripping them off.
The Role Of Government In Curbing Pharmaceutical Fraud
As the report states, “The lack of government oversight in the prescription drug market leaves it open to abuse and creates an opportunity for profit, which may encourage dishonesty and quality control issues.”
One of the first steps the government could take to help combat pharmaceutical fraud and abuse is to perform more drug inspections. For years, the regulatory body, the Drug Regulatory Authority of India (DRAI), has been understaffed and underfunded, which makes it extremely difficult for them to keep pace with the increasing number of pharmacies that have popped up in the last few years.
Even more concerning is that, despite the increased scrutiny and enforcement actions by the government, pharmaceutical fraud and abuse still occur. In some instances, drugstores will deliberately dodge inspection teams by keeping a low profile or closing down temporarily. As a result, quality control measures in place by the regulatory body are unable to keep up with the influx of newly registered pharmacies that pop up every year.
The government could also establish a database of trusted physicians and pharmacists who can advise patients on the proper use of medications and ensure they receive the appropriate medication for their needs. Establishing a database of quality drugstores and doctors could prove to be a valuable tool for patients in need of medication assistance.
How To Buy Medication In India: Summary
To summarize, when it comes to buying prescription medication in India, consumers need to be smart and vigilant. Make sure you are getting what you pay for and consult with a reputable physician or pharmacist to find out what medication is best suited for your needs. Be careful about where you buy your medications and how you are billed for them. If you suspect your pharmacy of engaging in fraudulent activity, then contact the authorities.