There are two main types of pharmacies in Mumbai – hot, dusty roadside shops with questionable drugs or the air-conditioned, well-stocked shops with clearly labeled drugs. Of course, you will be looking for the latter option.
Trustworthy Mumbai pharmacies, called Chemists or Medical Stores, sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs at a fraction of the price you’d pay in your home country. Many shops are open 24 hours a day, and some will deliver the goods to your home for free.
The “pharmacists” will vary in their English language skills and medical knowledge. Most can provide you with advice for common illnesses, but they are not educated like the pharmacists in more developed countries are. In a country with many types of infectious and tropical diseases, however, you are better off seeing a doctor for medical advice and using the pharmacies for picking up your medications.
Your foreign prescriptions will be accepted, and you might even be able to buy your prescription medications over the counter. The brand name may differ, so note the drug’s generic name before leaving home. Bring extra medications to hold you over until you find what you need in Mumbai.
Never purchase or take medications that have been sitting out in the sun or that have expired. This is a common problem with the drugs sold at roadside chemist “shacks,” which is why you should avoid them.
Recommended Pharmacies with English-speaking staff
Asian Chemist
Location: Bandra (W)
Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week
Address: 241 Hill Road, Hill View. Near Mehboob Studio.
Phone: 2640-7709
Solanki Medical and General Supplies
Location: Bandra (W)
Hours: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm and Home delivery
Address: 56 Dhiraj Arcade, Pali Naka
Phone: 3263-9834
Khar Medical Stores
Location: Khar (W)
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Address: 1st Floor Metha Building, Station Road
Phone: 2646-1329
Royal Medical
Location: Nariman Point
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am – 8:30 pm. Sunday, 9:30 am – 6:00 pm
Address: Lobby Shop 7, Trident Towers, Vinayak K Shah Marg
Phone: 2281-3980
Royal Chemist
Location: Parel
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Address: Acharya Donde Marg. Near Children’s Wadia Hospital
Phone: 2411-5028
NB: Chemist shops adjoining major hospitals are also reliable and are normally open 24 hours.