10 Feb 2023 • Strict action to be taken against companies which sell online drugs without license. Nearly two dozens of companies have received show cause notice from the Ministry of Health on Wednesday, 8th Feb. Companies including Practo, Tata1mg, Amazon, Flipkart, Zeelabs, Netmeds, Apollo, PharmEasy and Healthcart have to submit their response to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) within two days.

“The government has received various representations raising concerns regarding sale of drugs via online platforms in contravention to the drugs and cosmetics act, 1940 & rules there under. Some drugs are also being sold online which are only allowed for sale by retail under a valid prescription of a registered medical practitioner and supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist,” says a top official.

He further stated that the sale or exhibit or offer for sale or distribution of drugs through online, internet or other electronic platforms including various mobile applications without a license have potential impact on quality of drugs and pose risk to the public health due to potential misuse of drugs through self-medication, indiscriminate use of the drugs etc.

The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD)’s nation-wide protest “Galli Se Delhi Tak Halla Bol” against anti-competitive and monopolistic business practices of e-pharmacies scheduled for February 15 has been postponed until further notice. Source: New Indian Express | Read full story