New Delhi – The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has urged the Union government and regulatory bodies to take immediate action against illegal e-pharmacies operating across India. The organization cited the increasing threat of unregulated online medicine sales and potential public health risks as primary concerns.
In a recent letter addressed to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, the AIOCD flagged the absence of regulatory compliance among several e-pharmacy platforms. It alleged that these platforms are functioning without valid licenses and are delivering prescription drugs without verifying prescriptions. The organization claimed this violates the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
The AIOCD also raised concerns about a possible partnership between e-pharmacy platform PharmEasy and quick-commerce player Instamart, reportedly for delivering medicines in 10 minutes. The organization stated that such a service could further erode prescription validation and compromise drug safety protocols. The proposal, if implemented, could potentially violate current laws requiring pharmacist supervision for drug dispensation, it said.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) have also flagged issues with e-pharmacies. In a recent advisory, the DCGI warned of increased sales of antibiotics through unlicensed online platforms, contributing to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The advisory highlighted that many e-pharmacies are selling Schedule H and H1 drugs without proper checks, which could accelerate AMR and pose risks to public health.
The AIOCD further accused these platforms of engaging in unethical business practices and undermining the traditional retail pharmacy network. It emphasized the need for stricter enforcement by the CDSCO and state drug controllers. The organization urged authorities to shut down illegal operations and take legal action against violators under existing laws.
The group has called for the speedy implementation of the Draft E-Pharmacy Rules, 2018, which have yet to be officially notified. Until then, the AIOCD wants a complete ban on e-pharmacies not compliant with regulatory norms.
Meanwhile, government bodies have taken note of the complaints. The CDSCO has been instructed to monitor and act against erring platforms. Regulatory scrutiny is expected to increase in the coming months as part of a broader effort to curb illegal online drug sales.
The matter continues to develop as industry stakeholders await clarity on the future of e-pharmacy regulations in India.
(Rh/Eth/MSM/SE)