E-pharmacies Might Go Down, Industry Expert Says Shutting Shops Not A Solution

Online pharmacies in India like Tata 1mg, Netmeds and Pharmeasy among others are in troubled waters again as media reports say that the pharmacies might face a complete ban over the online sale of drugs for alleged violation of norms. The government is pondering over strict regulations and actions against online pharmacies for selling medicines over allegations of data privacy issues, malpractices and sale of spurious drugs, say the reports.

According to the latest draft of the New Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics says that the union government may restrict, regulate, or prohibit the sale or distribution of any drug by online mode. The new bill is presently being scrutinised under inter-ministerial consultations after the industry stakeholders have given their suggestions on the bill. "The central government may regulate, restrict or prohibit the sale or distribution of any drug by online mode, by notification," the bill reads, which seeks to overtake the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. 

Media reports say that the government is seeking more control over unrestrained sale and use of prescription drugs and protect the patient data. The reports says that pharmacy apps collect area wise data of medicine consumption that may increase the risk of patient safety. A group of ministers had also earlier called for banning the e pharmacies. 

This comes after the online pharmacies received a show cause notice in February from the DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) over alleged violation of norms for online sale of drugs. The notice revealed that the DCGI had ordered states and UTs in May and November 2019 and again in February asking the platforms to comply with the government norms. 

"While patient safety and privacy are paramount concerns, shutting down e-pharmacies is not the solution. Instead, the government should focus on implementing stricter regulations and guidelines to avoid any privacy violation issue,” stated Dr Vivek Desai, Founder & MD, HOSMAC. 

He further said that by doing so, e-pharmacies can continue to provide much-needed convenience and accessibility to patients, especially those in remote areas, without compromising on their safety and privacy.