71% consumers in Mumbai rarely asked for prescription, survey finds; Maharashtra FDA acted against 880 drug licensees in three months

A recent survey of nearly 3,700 residents of Mumbai has highlighted a stark disconnect between the city’s pharmaceutical retail practices and the regulatory framework that underpins the safe dispensation of medicines. More than three‑quarters of respondents admitted that they rarely, if ever, request a prescription when purchasing medication, and a comparable proportion reported that chemists seldom refuse to sell drugs without one. The findings have prompted the Maharashtra Food and Drug Authority (FDA) to intensify its crackdown on non‑compliant outlets, leading to enforcement actions against 880 licence holders within a three‑month period.The study, commissioned by an independent market research firm, asked participants about their experiences at local pharmacies..

Of the 3,697 respondents, 36 % said that shopkeepers “never” insisted on seeing a prescription, while another 35 % said they “very rarely” faced such a demand. Only 29 % reported that they were consistently required to present a doctor’s order before being handed medication. The data, collected through a combination of telephone interviews and online questionnaires, spanned a cross‑section of Mumbai’s socio‑economic spectrum, encompassing both affluent neighborhoods and densely populated suburbs.These numbers stand in sharp contrast to the legal obligations set out in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandates that certain categories of medicines—particularly antibiotics, psychotropics and other prescription‑only drugs—be sold exclusively on the basis of a valid medical prescription..

The act is designed to curb misuse, prevent antimicrobial resistance and safeguard public health. Yet, the survey suggests that in practice, a large segment of the city’s population acquires such drugs with minimal professional oversight.Public health experts warn that the routine bypassing of prescription protocols can have far‑reaching consequences. Anita Rao, an epidemiologist at the National Institute of Epidemiology, noted that “unregulated access to antibiotics fuels the emergence of drug‑resistant strains, which is a global health emergency.” She added that self‑medication, especially with potent analgesics or steroids, can mask serious underlying conditions, delay accurate diagnosis and lead to complications such as liver or kidney damage..

“When patients assume that over‑the‑counter sales are a harmless convenience, they overlook the risks embedded in unsupervised drug use,” Rao explained.The Maharashtra FDA’s response to the survey’s revelations has been swift and decisive. Over the past three months, inspectors have visited more than 2,500 pharmacies across the state, conducting surprise checks and verifying compliance with licensing norms. The agency reports that 880 licence holders have been penalised for violations ranging from the sale of prescription‑only medicines without a valid prescription to the operation of pharmacies without the requisite registration certificates..

Penalties have varied from monetary fines and temporary suspensions to, in severe cases, revocation of licences and criminal proceedings against proprietors.Chief Inspector of the Maharashtra FDA, Rajesh Deshmukh, addressed the media in a press conference, stating that the crackdown “is not merely punitive but corrective.” He emphasized that the authority is also investing in awareness campaigns targeting both retailers and consumers. “Our objective is to create an ecosystem where pharmacists understand their legal responsibilities and the public appreciates the importance of medical guidance before using medication,” Deshmukh said. He also highlighted the introduction of a digital verification system that enables chemists to scan a QR code on a prescription, ensuring its authenticity and traceability.Consumer behaviour, however, appears to be driven by factors that extend beyond mere convenience..

The survey identified cost considerations as a primary motivator: many respondents indicated that purchasing medication without a prescription allowed them to avoid additional consultation fees and reduce overall expenditure. In addition, long waiting times at public hospitals and limited access to qualified physicians in certain districts contribute to the reliance on pharmacists as informal health advisors. A 45‑year‑old construction worker from Dharavi recounted that “when I have a fever, I just go to the nearest chemist and ask for the tablets I’ve used before..

The pharmacist knows what works for me, and I don’t have to wait for a doctor’s appointment.”The role of pharmacists in the Indian healthcare landscape has evolved considerably over the past decade. Traditionally viewed as dispensers of pre‑prescribed drugs, many now function as first‑point contact health professionals, especially in underserved areas where doctors are scarce. This shift has sparked debate within professional circles about the appropriate scope of pharmacy practice..

The Pharmacy Council of India has advocated for expanded training programmes that equip pharmacists with the clinical knowledge required to counsel patients responsibly, while still adhering to regulatory mandates.Nevertheless, critics argue that the current enforcement strategy may not be sufficient to address the systemic issues fueling non‑prescription sales. Consumer advocacy groups point out that punitive measures alone could push non‑compliant pharmacies further into the informal sector, making oversight even more challenging. “We need a balanced approach that combines strict enforcement with robust public education and the strengthening of primary healthcare services,” said Sunita Patel, director of the consumer rights organisation Consumer Voice..

She called for the government to subsidise basic medical consultations and to streamline the process of obtaining legitimate prescriptions for common ailments.The economic implications of the crackdown are also notable. Small‑scale pharmacy owners, many of whom operate on thin profit margins, face the prospect of losing revenue if they are forced to refuse sales that were previously a significant part of their turnover. The Maharashtra FDA has, however, introduced a tiered penalty system that distinguishes between first‑time offenders and repeat violators, offering corrective workshops and compliance assistance to the former..

“Our aim is to bring all players into the fold, not to alienate them,” Inspector Deshmukh reiterated.As Mumbai continues to grapple with the twin pressures of a burgeoning population and rising health demands, the interplay between consumer habits, pharmacy practices and regulatory oversight will likely shape the city’s public health trajectory for years to come. The latest survey underscores a pressing need for a cultural shift toward responsible medication use, while the Maharashtra FDA’s intensified actions signal a willingness to enforce existing laws more rigorously. Whether these combined efforts will translate into measurable reductions in inappropriate drug dispensing remains to be seen, but the dialogue they have sparked marks a critical step toward aligning everyday practices with the standards intended to protect patient safety..