No pharmacists at 80% city chemists SURPRISE CHECKS

MUMBAI: More than 80% of chemist stores in the city that were inspected by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between April and September this year, were found to be operating without a pharmacist.

According to FDA officials, the Drug and Cosmetic Act makes it mandatory for chemist stores to have a pharmacist present at all times. Chemists are given a license only after they submit an affidavit declaring the availability of a pharmacist.

The pharmacist is expected to check if the doctor’s prescription is accurate. However, of the 1,444 chemist stores that were inspected, 1,169 were found to be operating without a pharmacist.

Although Mumbai had the least number of inspections done, compared to other districts in the state, it had the highest number of chemist stores operating without a pharmacist.

“We have been acting on tip-offs over the last six months and have found many stores without a pharmacist,” said DR Gahane, assistant commissioner (drugs), FDA.

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