Indian drug regulations don't allow for the supply of medicines requiring prescriptions if you aren't a registered pharmacist. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry came up with a self-regulation code for e-pharmacies back in 2016. It did clarify a lot of things like prohibiting medicine sales without valid prescriptions, ensuring dispensation of medicines only through registered pharmacies. But it still wasn't a law. In 2018, the government came up with draft regulations to govern e-pharma but they're still moving at a snail space.
A few days ago the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) sent out notices to 20 online pharmacies. The ones you’re probably used to buying medicines from ― Tata 1mg, Netmeds, Apollo, etc. The Chemists Association threatened to go on a strike against e-pharmacies too. And this could compel the government to take action. The reason? Flouting drug regulations.
So in today’s episode for 20th February 2023, we tell you why e-pharmacies are receiving so much flak.