popping pills: Viagra, Silagra or Vigora (all of which contain sildenafil citrate) are not supposed to be sold over the counter, as the warning on the packs clearly state.

In conversation with sexologists on the last day of Navratri, MiD DAY found that doctors weren't besieged with requests this year for sildenafil citrate used to treat male impotence. After all, they said, why would patients approach them for prescriptions when it was available so easily over the counter, in spite of being a scheduled drug.

To put their claims to test, MiD DAY visited pharmacies across the city to find how easy it is to lay hands on the pill.

Only one pharmacy didn't oblige our reporter, varun Singh. At all other places, he was able to get the drug and even received a discount offer at one place. This is his story.

Chheda Medical Store, MG Road, Ghatkopar (e)
Varun says: I entered the store and asked for Viagra or Silagra. The attendant said they were out of stock. As I was leaving the shop, the attendant called me back and offered me Vigora four times cheaper than Viagra. I was promised it would do the same job. No prescription was demanded for Vigora, which is also a scheduled drug. pic/dutta kumbhar

Apollo Pharmacy, Nehru Road, Mulund (W)
I approached the store with a friend, as I was embarrassed to find a female salesperson at the counter. My friend asked for the Viagra, and the lady gave an option of buying 100 mg or 50 mg. We asked for 50 mg and were handed the same without a prescription. While she was preparing the bill, another salesperson approached us and offered us a discount card for all future purchases.

Noble Chemist, Station Road, Ghatkopar (W)
The first incident had gave me some courage and this time, I directly approached the attendant. I asked for the drug, and prompt came the reply that they don't stock such medicines.

Shree Swami Samarth Medical, KEM Hospital Road, Parel
I asked for Viagra or Silagra. The attendant searched, but came back empty-handed. He then suggested I buy Vigora instead. This time, the drug was Rs 10 cheaper than the same box bought at Chheda.

What the doctors say
Dr Rajan Bhonsle, head, sexual medicine, KEM Hospital: We get requests all around the year, but people eventually realise that they don't need our prescriptions to get the drug. Today, MBBS graduates and quacks are writing out chits for the same. Taking sildenafil without needing it can cause blindness and in patients, who are already taking blood pressure and heart medication with nitrate, it can cause death.

Dr Prakash Kothari, sexologist: People think that sildenafil may increase desire or frequency of orgasms, but this is not true. Only one pill must be consumed in the span of 24 hours and exceeding this dose can prove harmful.

Baba Siddique, FDA minister: I'm in Dhule  and in the middle of riots.  I cannot comment on this now.