Coldrif Fallout: Pharmacies Under Fire As Crackdown Begins On Unlicensed Dispensing

Treading cautiously amid the ongoing controversy over contaminated Coldrif cough syrup, the Delhi Pharmacy Council (DPC) has directed pharmacies in the national Capital to strictly adhere to guidelines mandating that only registered pharmacists dispense prescription medicines.

The move comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of pharmaceutical retail practices following allegations of non-compliance and the distribution of potentially unsafe medications.

The Government has already banned the cough syrup found to be contaminated, killing more than a dozen children in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan.

According to senior officials, inspection teams have begun conducting surprise checks across various districts in the National Capital Territory to assess adherence to the directive. “Any instance of non-compliance uncovered during these inspections will attract stern action, including suspension or cancellation of licences,” an official familiar with the matter told The Hindu on condition of anonymity.

The Council’s order, issued through an official circular, reiterates provisions under Section 42 of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which explicitly prohibits unqualified individuals from engaging in the compounding, preparation, mixing, or dispensing of medicines based on a prescription.

“No person other than a Registered Pharmacist is permitted to compound, prepare, mix, or dispense any medicine on prescription,” the Council stated, cautioning all pharmacy operators of legal consequences for violations.

Sandeep Nangia, President of the Retail Drug Chemist Alliance, said the organisation had issued an advisory to its members urging immediate and full compliance with the Council’s directive. “We have advised all our registered pharmacies, chemists, and druggist members in Delhi to strictly follow the new instructions,” he said.

Nangia further pointed out that under the amended provisions of the Pharmacy Act, 1948, as incorporated through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, penalties for violations have been significantly enhanced.

“Violations will attract imprisonment of up to six months, or a fine up to Rs1,00,000, or both,” he said, urging all members to ensure the presence of a registered pharmacist on duty during all operating hours.

The crackdown follows the Coldrif episode, which has sparked widespread concern over the sale and circulation of substandard or hazardous cough syrups. Preliminary investigations have suggested regulatory lapses at multiple levels of the drug distribution chain.