A survey in Mumbai has found that 71% of consumers said chemists never or rarely refused to sell medicines without a doctor’s prescription, raising concerns over prescription drug sales.

The survey, conducted among 3,697 Mumbai respondents, found that 36% said chemists never refused to provide medicines without a prescription. Another 35% said they were rarely refused. Nationally, 64% of respondents reported similar experiences.

The findings come as authorities consider tighter monitoring of pharmacies selling prescription medicines.

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified enforcement against pharmacies and other drug licensees. According to the reported data, action was taken against 880 drug licensees over a three-month period.

The survey also highlighted concerns about access to qualified pharmacists. Only 28% of Mumbai respondents said they were assisted by a qualified pharmacist most of the time or always.

Meanwhile, 21% said they were assisted by someone who was not a qualified pharmacist.

The findings come amid a proposal at the national level to make CCTV surveillance mandatory at medical stores that sell prescription medicines. Such measures are aimed at improving oversight of medicine sales and ensuring that prescription requirements are followed.

The survey results highlight the gap between prescription regulations and consumers’ experiences at retail pharmacies, while increased enforcement in Maharashtra signals closer scrutiny of drug sales and pharmacy practices.