The Indian central government is considering a proposal that would mandate pharmacies to dispense medicines in the exact quantities prescribed by doctors, addressing public grievances about patients being forced to buy excess medications. The Drug Consultative Committee (DCC) discussed the matter after complaints highlighted that pharmacies often refuse to sell loose tablets, leading to unnecessary costs for patients. However, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing pharmacists nationwide, has expressed strong opposition to the proposal. In a letter to the Drugs Controller General of India, AIOCD outlined concerns regarding financial losses for retailers, potential drug safety risks, and the lack of prior consultation with stakeholders. They argued that cutting strips of medication could compromise important information like batch numbers and expiry dates, posing risks to patient safety. Instead of outright rejection, AIOCD proposed a six-point alternative framework, including the production of variable pack sizes and a return mechanism for unsold strips. The matter is now with a DCC sub-committee for further examination, with implications for both patient advocacy and the pharmacy trade.