Saw Palmetto was accidentally discovered by the red Indians or native Americans in a routine hunting expedition. The berries extracted from Saw Palmetto had wonderful curative properties. Initially berries were consumed for the kick of it I suspect. Over a period of time, they found the linkage and curative properties to various disease such as puberty issues, urinary infections, prostrate enlargement, urination problem etc. Some use this wonder drug to enhance their sexual prowess too.

Sometimes when we are afflicted with some major health complication we let our guard loose and forget to check the pricing MRP and its labeling. This particularly applies to Homeopathic medicine. I feel the trend is prevalent in Ayurvedic drugs too.

I went to purchase a tonic or syrup named Sabal Serrulata 100 ml which was prescribed to control my prostrate inflammation. The initial treatment dose of 30ml was free courtesy an NGO. I did not want to avail of this free facility and strain the organization, even though I donated in their drop box. Since Homeopathic treatment in general is long term, without much side effects, obviously it meant that I should have a full year stock of this wonder drug.

When I approached a homeopathic medical store in Shivajinagar, I was shocked at the pomp and show of the outlet. Normally I associate an ayurvedic or homeopathic outlet with traditional approach. My senses were awakened. I just went and gave the counter chappie the prescription, he refused to part with 100 ml SKU or bottle. He said only 30 ml is allowed for a retail customer which costs an Indian make Rs 100/- and German make Rs 175/- I did not check the packed unit. I just left because my logic was strong that I was being taken for a ride. My car was parked in a no parking zone too LOL. The security guy assured me there is no issues since the outlet owners have good rapport with cops. Maybe with cops help they have installed a no parking board to cater to their customers only.

Next outlet I just landed after parking in a hospital and walked up to the outlet. The owner was casually reading a newspaper. She then became alert and ordered her servant to get me the medicine quickly, bypassing other customers. I was surprised. The counter guy came with 100 ml bottle which was leaking. I just saw the bottle and verified its label I was shocked that there was no manufacturers name

Nor MRP only a small rubber stamp of the medical store. It shocked the hell out of me. I told her I want a sealed pack from the manufacturer. She avoided giving it to me on an excuse stating that it was out of stock. She thought I will purchase the 100 ml without any issues.

Next day I sent my wife, whom I informed regarding the developments, she went and asked for the medication in 450 ml, luckily the owner was not present. The counter boy came proudly with a sealed pack of Naturae Homoemed, who too seems to be an importer, so it obviously means the differentiation is created by the clever middlemen to enrich themselves. My wife paid Rs 340 for a 450 ml. Otherwise if had to buy in 30 ml pack I would have ended up paying Rs 1500/- A margin over above his normal profit margin of 25%. It works out to 341% margin for repacking. If had to buy a foreign make probably the same product being labeled as foreign make I would have paid Rs 2625 a phenomenal profit margin of Rs 672%.

For obvious reasons I have hidden the names of the middlemen, but alerting MSians to be aware of such unethical practice. I don’t know how the Drug controllers have let loose such practices. The government is loosing huge revenues too because none of these products seemed to be accounted or billed to the customer.