The pharmacists in Tamil Nadu have raised concerns about the increased sales of medicine in an unethical fashion, especially through unlicensed pharmacists, and unlicensed platforms online and there has been no supervision by the government. The pharmacists insist that this situation could pose a big threat to public health and also affect the value of licensed pharmacists, as there is no supervision on such platforms.
It is unethical for online pharmacies to sell drugs without proper licensing, as required for retail sale. Though the pharmacists can procure drugs through licensed wholesale platforms, they can sell the drugs only if they have a license.S Ramachandran, Former Secretary of Tamil Nadu Druggist and Chemists Association.
One of the members of the Tamil Nadu Druggists and Chemists Association demands that the case of providing policy for the e-sale of medicine online remains unchecked by the government hence raising concerns on this aspect.
In response to the Druggist and Chemist Association, the Union government said the policy draft is nearly completed and needs more time to address the complex and newly raised concerns regarding online sales without proper prescription and from unlicensed sellers.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sai Vara Prasad/MSM)