By Admin 
In today’s time, safety and proper distribution of medicines has become a very important issue. Selling medicines without a doctor’s prescription is not only against the law, but it can also pose a serious threat to the health of patients. Especially medicines of Schedule H and Schedule X, which can be sold only on the basis of doctor’s advice and prescription.
Many times people think that if they do not get time to go to the doctor, they can take the medicine directly from the chemist. But this is wrong and the medicine seller may also have to face punishment for this. If you find that a chemist in your area is selling medicines without showing the prescription, then you can lodge a complaint. So let us know how and where a complaint can be lodged, what kind of information is required, and what action can be taken after the complaint.
Where can one complain against a pharmacist or chemist?
1. State Pharmacy Council – There are different government institutions in India to complain about professional misconduct of pharmacists. There is a State Pharmacy Council in every state. This council hears complaints against any registered pharmacist and can punish them if found guilty. Some states make complaints as per their own rules, like Kerala State Pharmacy Council Rules, 2012, Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Council Rules, 1953, Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council Rules, 1969. It is necessary to give your name, address and details of the incident in the complaint.
2. Drugs Inspector / Local Drugs Control Department – If any chemist is selling medicines without a prescription, you can complain in writing to the Drugs Control Department or Drugs Inspector of your district.
3. CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organization) – You can also file a complaint online at cdsco.gov.in.
4. Police Station – In serious cases, a report can be lodged at the nearest police station.
5. 104 Helpline – In many states, health related complaints can also be made through 104 helpline.
What information is necessary in the complaint?
When you file a complaint against a chemist, your complaint should include the name and complete address of the medicine shop, name of the medicine and the bill if taken, time and date of the incident, whether the medicine was sold without a prescription, and any other necessary details to prove the complaint. Selling medicine without a prescription is a punishable offense under law. After receiving the complaint, the State Pharmacy Council calls the pharmacist for hearing.
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