Kanimozhi Somu Urges Govt to Halt 10-Minute Online Medicine Delivery Amid Regulatory Concerns

On Wednesday, Rajya Sabha member Dr. Kanimozhi NVN Somu, a DMK MP, expressed concerns in Parliament about online delivery companies like Swiggy delivering medicines directly to customers, citing violations of Indian drug regulations and potential harm to consumers. She urged the Union government to intervene and stop the "imminent danger" of 10-minute medicine delivery, which may bypass essential regulatory checks, including prescription verification and patient identification.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has voiced concerns regarding the proposed partnership between Swiggy's Instamart and PharmEasy, a leading e-pharmacy platform. This partnership aims to deliver medicines within 10-minutes through dark stores, raising concerns about regulatory violations, patient safety, and quality control.

Dr. Kanimozhi emphasized that medicine distribution in India involves strict protocols to prevent harm to consumers, including verifying prescriptions and confirming patient identity. She warned that the ultra-fast delivery model may increase the possibility of expired or counterfeit medicines, harming patients and compromising quality standards.

The DMK MP urged the government to take immediate action to stop the delivery of medicines by quick delivery companies, citing reputational and legal risks associated with PharmEasy's past regulatory scrutiny. Dr. Kanimozhi requested the government to intervene and prevent potential harm to consumers, ensuring patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Sai Sindhuja K/MSM)