The Drug Control Department says that if medicines are being given a discount more than the MRP, then it is important to see whether the medicines were purchased from the right source or not and whether this claim is misleading or not.

Government eyes discount on medicines.

The Drugs Control Department has taken a strict stance regarding discounts on medicines at medical stores in Delhi. The department has issued an advisory regarding claims like 'UP TO 60%, 70% and 80% DISCOUNT' made by medical stores. However, the department has clarified that selling medicines at a price lower than the MRP is not prohibited. The objection is on discount claims that are false, exaggerated, misleading or vague and which may mislead the customer.

What is the whole matter?

The Drugs Control Department has noticed that some retail pharmacies in Delhi are displaying signs, banners, and advertisements claiming substantial discounts on medicines. The department has stated that any discount claimed at a medical store must be genuine and the customer must actually receive it. This means that the customer should receive the same discount as the one listed on the signboard.

Discount records are also required.

The department has instructed medical stores to verify any discounts given to customers with sales bills and the store's purchase records. They have also been advised to purchase medicines from distributors or wholesalers with genuine drug licenses.

Why question the huge discount?

The department has stated that if a drug is shown at a discount so significant that its selling price appears lower than the price at which the shop owner purchased it, the reliability of the source of the drug may be questioned. Therefore, medical stores have been advised to maintain accurate records of their purchases and sales.

Medical stores will have to check their boards

Following the Drugs Control Department's advisory, the Retail Distribution Chemist Alliance (RDCA) One Delhi has also issued a circular to its members. The association has asked medical stores to review all discount-related promotions displayed in their stores. This includes discount boards, banners, posters, printed advertisements, and digital displays. The association has specifically asked to examine claims such as 'UP TO __% DISCOUNT'. If any claim is false, exaggerated, misleading, or ambiguous, it has been advised to remove or correct it.

What did RDCA say?

RDCA One Delhi has appealed to its members to maintain transparency, protect customer interests, and avoid misleading business promotions. The association stated that medical stores should ensure that their promotions provide accurate, transparent, and responsible information regarding discounts and drug prices.

Advisory on 17th August, Circular on 21st August

The Drugs Control Department's advisory was issued on August 17, 2026. Following this, RDCA One Delhi issued a circular to its members on August 21, 2026. The simple fact is that medicines can continue to be sold at prices lower than the MRP, but misleading claims of discounts cannot be made. Medical stores claiming discounts of 60%, 70%, or 80% will now have to ensure that their claims are genuine, the customer receives the discount, and that, if necessary, a record of the same can be shown through bills and purchase documents.