Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by The Health Master
Pune: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cancelled the licence of two Pune-based chemist outlets, one a retailer and another a wholesaler.
These retailer and wholesaler were found selling drugs on an online portal in violation of the norms under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Complaint
FDA officials were investigating a complaint about spoilt drugs filed by a customer who had purchased a medicine via an online portal, which were sold by the stores online.
Also read: SDCs to take action against online pharmacies: DCGI
Licenses cancelled
The licences of both the firms have been cancelled as they were found to be indulging in business malpractice, informed FDA officials.
Under the Drug and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drug and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, online sale of drugs is prohibited.
The two drug stores in question are Planet Phama Warehouse Pvt Ltd, which is a retailer, and Tresera Health Pvt Ltd, a wholesale drug firm, both located in Dhayari, Pune.
In December last year, a customer had purchased folic acid medicines from an online portal, which were later found to be spoilt, and FDA received a complaint regarding the same, said officials.
“We have cancelled the licences of both the firms for violating various legal norms. Planet Pharma was selling the medicines online, while Tresera was supplying them the drugs,” elaborated SB Patil, Joint commissioner of FDA, Pune chapter.
“Both the firms were registered with us since August 2018. We have also written to the Sikkim based pharmaceutical company about the complaint received by us against the folic acid medicine manufactured by them.”
Also read: FDA cracks down on pharma portals
Licenses suspended last year
ST Sawant, Drug Inspector, investigated the complaint, further informed that a similar action was taken against Planet Pharma last year, wherein its licence was temporarily suspended for selling drugs online.
“Now, we have cancelled the licence and have given them a three-month time frame to discontinue business or to go in for an appeal.
We have taken similar actions in the past against chemist shops that were found supplying drugs to online marketplaces,” Sawant said.
Stating that he is aware of the issue, Ritesh Oswal, manager, Planet Pharma, said said, “FDA has taken action against us for online sale of drugs.
Also read: Consulting ‘Dr. Internet’ is bad for health: Must read
3 months time for appeal
Although the agency has cancelled our licence, they have not issued orders to stop doing business. We have three months to stop doing business or go in for appeal.
Company directors will take decisions about what is to be done next.”
