In an effort aimed at giving patients an “informed choice” and being aware of their rights to buy medicines wherever they see fit, the Gujarat Food and Drugs Control Administration (FDCA) on Friday issued a circular to all its Assistant Commissioners to ensure that all medical shops inside hospitals display a certificate of independence saying, “It is not compulsory for the patients of this hospital to buy medicine here.”
The circular, said FDCA Commissioner Dr. Hemant G Koshia, followed a number of complaints from patients, caregivers and pharmacists, who have exposed unfair business practices that led to out-of-pocket healthcare costs for those seeking treatment.
A statement issued by the Gujarat FDCA on Saturday said, “Patients who come for treatment in the state are forced to buy medicines from shops in-house by hospitals. Because of this, patients cannot get generic drugs or other cheap drugs and have to bear the financial burden.”
Why should you buy our Subscription?
You want to be the smartest in the room.
You want access to award-winning journalism.
You don’t want to be misled and misinformed.
Choose your subscription package