Telangana Pharmacies Under Fire for Overpriced Generics, Misleading Discount Claims
Karimnagar: Growing concern has emerged in Karimnagar district as several medical shops have been accused of selling low-quality generic medicines at high prices while misleading customers with claims of 10-20% discounts. Despite these advertised discounts, consumers allege that the medicines remain overpriced and often appear to be generics repackaged or presented in a way that resembles branded products.
With more than 2,500 medical shops operating in the district, residents say the lack of strict oversight has allowed unethical practices to flourish.
Locals also highlight the trend of pharmacies functioning like supermarkets, stocking cosmetics, baby-care items and unrelated products alongside medicines. This has raised questions about whether pharmaceutical retail norms and ethical standards are being strictly followed. Many customers have expressed concerns that such commercial expansion may be masking irregularities in medicine quality, pricing transparency and procurement practices.
Residents and activists have urged authorities to conduct thorough inspections of all medical shops, including verification of operating licences, stock procurement records, storage facilities, and billing practices. They also appeal to the public to retain bills, carefully examine medicine packaging and check manufacturer details before purchase. These steps, they say, are essential to identify misleading pricing or questionable-quality drugs.
District drug-control officials have also issued warnings regarding the illegal sale of certain sensitive medicines. They emphasised that steroids and cardiac stimulants like mephentermine injections must be dispensed strictly against valid prescriptions. Any misuse—particularly in gyms for bodybuilding purposes—could result in strict legal action, including cancellation of pharmacy licences and prosecution. Citizens have been asked to report suspicious activities through the designated helpline, reports The Hans India
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