Last Updated on April 16, 2023 by The Health Master
Concern over E-Pharmacies
The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) has brought to the notice of the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) about the operations of E-Pharmacies.
Despite being issued notices, E-Pharmacy companies have not ceased their operations. AIOCD has expressed its concerns about the functioning of E-Pharmacy entities.
E-Pharmacy entities taking orders via service providing portals and WhatsApp
According to the association, E-Pharmacy companies are taking orders via service providing portals and WhatsApp.
These orders are then forwarded to medical stores for the supply of medicines.
The medical store owners are sending medicines to the customers through third-party courier services or logistics partners provided by the online platform owners.
The AIOCD feels that E-Pharmacy platforms are working as aggregators and are not allowed to advertise the sale of medicine or any service on behalf of any drug license holder.
Violation of Section 61, 64 & 65 & DCGI intervention
The AIOCD has pointed out that the E-Pharmacy companies’ operations are in violation of Section 61, 64 & 65. Therefore, DCGI should immediately intervene in this matter.
The drug association has brought this matter to the notice of the DCGI, who must take action to curb the malpractices of E-Pharmacy companies.
Physical meeting with Health Ministry likely
Sources reveal that the Health Ministry may soon call E-Pharmacies for a physical meeting to discuss these concerns.
E-Pharmacy companies are advised to start the practice of ‘E-Prescription,’ which should be based on an Indian model and not a global model.
Conclusion:
The AIOCD has raised serious concerns about the functioning of E-Pharmacy companies, and immediate action needs to be taken to address these issues.
E-Pharmacy companies must comply with Indian laws and regulations, and ensure that their operations do not pose any threat to public health.
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