Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an inspection campaign against doctors in the state following complaints from the Drug Sellers Association that many are illegally stockpiling and selling medicines.

The association claims this practice is harming their business, as doctors are not legally permitted to sell medicines directly.

In response to these complaints, the FDA has issued a circular highlighting the widespread violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, by some doctors.

The circular announced that an inspection campaign will be conducted until the 14th of this month, targeting doctors suspected of stockpiling medicines. The FDA has ordered inspections of at least ten doctors, with a report to be submitted on the findings.

The campaign has sparked controversy, with doctors opposing the FDA's actions, claiming they are being harassed unnecessarily.

Dr. Sanjay Patil, President of the Hospital Board of India (Pune Branch), argued that doctors keep only necessary medicines for their patients and that there is no legal limit on the amount of stock they can hold. He emphasized that no doctor stockpiles medicines without reason.

On the other hand, Anil Belkar, Secretary of the Chemist Association of Pune District, accused doctors of exploiting legal loopholes and harming the business of licensed drug sellers.

He suggested that if doctors wish to sell medicines, they should do so legally by appointing a licensed drug seller.

Joint Commissioner of the FDA, Girish Hukre, stated that the inspection campaign is a response to the complaints received and assured that no action has been taken against any doctor yet. However, if a significant stockpile is found, appropriate measures will be taken.