The Haryana Drug Dealers Association (HDDA) has raised serious concerns over the widespread use of discount banners by retail chemists and called on the Haryana State Pharmacy Council (HSPC) to take action against registered pharmacists working in such pharmacies. The association claims these practices mislead customers and violate both the Pharmacy Act and Pharmacy Practice Regulations (PPR), 2015.

Key highlights

Call for regulatory intervention

• HDDA has requested the HSPC to cancel the registration of pharmacists who support unethical discount practices.

• The association suggests that such discounts compromise drug quality and promote unfair trade.

Legal and ethical concerns

• Retailers offering 20–60% discounts despite a legal margin of only 16% under the DPCO raise red flags.

• According to HDDA, such offers are not financially viable unless there is a compromise in product authenticity or quality.

Demand for stricter monitoring

• HDDA urged the HSPC to appoint Pharmacy Inspectors across all districts to ensure compliance with the Pharmacy Act and PPR 2015.

• The display of discount boards is also cited as a violation of regulations and should be banned.

Official responses and legal ambiguity

• State Drug Controller Dr M N Taneja stated the Drugs and Cosmetics Act does not allow action against discount offers, only overpricing.

• However, he acknowledged the ethical concerns and is consulting drug controllers in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Manipur who have taken action on similar cases.

Internal action by HDDA

• HDDA President Satish Vijj confirmed that members are instructed not to put up discount banners.

• Despite this, some member shops continue the practice, prompting HDDA to escalate the issue to AIOCD.

Legal precedent and further action

• The Delhi Chemists and Druggists Association recently won a court case declaring discount displays as unethical.

• HDDA hopes this verdict will support similar actions in Haryana and other states.

The rising presence of discount pharmacy banners has sparked regulatory debates across the country. With HDDA's strong push for enforcement and pharmacist accountability, the spotlight is now on the HSPC and regulatory bodies to ensure ethical pharmaceutical trade while balancing consumer affordability.