Online Pharmacies Under Scrutiny for Unverified Prescriptions and Delivery Practices

Government Takes Action on Online Pharmacies

Online pharmacies are under increased scrutiny as the government plans to implement stricter regulations regarding e-pharmacy delivery practices. This comes amid multiple complaints regarding unverified prescriptions and the rise of questionable e-pharmacy platforms delivering medications within as little as 10-60 minutes.

Concerns Over Prescription Verification

Authorities from the Health and Family Welfare Ministry have reported alarming increases in complaints about e-pharmacies bypassing essential safeguards. This includes a lack of verification of prescriptions, which is critical for ensuring the safety of consumers and compliance with existing regulations.

• Proliferation of e-pharmacy platforms includes major names like Tata 1mg and PharmEasy.
• New players in the market, such as Zeelab Pharmacy, are offering expedited delivery options.

Current Regulations and Future Steps

Currently, there are no specific laws governing online pharmacies outside of the overarching Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which does not clearly pertain to online sales. A new legislative framework is being prepared that will aim to define and regulate e-pharmacies more explicitly.

In response to the rising concerns, industry representatives, such as All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), have called for a review of current policies and the retraction of notifications permitting the doorstep delivery of drugs.

Potential Impact on E-Pharmacy Growth

According to a Crisil report, online pharmacies currently account for 3-5% of India's retail pharmacy market, suggesting significant potential for growth as regulations evolve. The report emphasizes the necessity of adherence to regulatory standards to establish consumer trust and ensure safe delivery practices in this burgeoning sector.