Gwalior: In a stern move aimed at tightening pharmaceutical regulation, the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) of Gwalior, Dr Sachin Srivastava, has warned that dispensing medicines without the supervision of a registered pharmacist will now attract strict legal action, including imprisonment. The directive comes as part of a wider crackdown on unlicensed medical practices in the district. Dr Srivastava emphasized that no medical store, clinic, or doctor is allowed to hand over medicines to patients unless a qualified pharmacist is physically present to verify and dispense the drugs. Any violation of this order will be treated as a criminal offence under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. According to the CMHO, if medicines are sold or distributed without the presence of a registered pharmacist, both the store owner and the doctor involved could face prosecution, fines, or even jail time. The health department has also been instructed to monitor all medical outlets closely and take immediate action against those operating without licensed pharmacists. The move aims to curb the rising trend of unauthorized dispensing and to ensure that patients receive the right medicines in the correct dosage and form. Officials noted that dispensing medicines without professional oversight can lead to serious health risks, including adverse drug reactions, misuse of antibiotics, and potential fatalities. This strict enforcement drive is part of the district administration’s larger effort to promote patient safety and professional accountability in the healthcare system. The CMHO has directed drug inspectors to intensify surprise inspections across the city and take prompt legal action against violators, reportsDainik Bhaskar. The order has sent a clear warning to all medical practitioners and pharmacy owners in Gwalior to ensure compliance or face severe consequences.