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| AIOCD surprised at Ministry of Railways promoting illegal business | | | Agencies
NEW DELHI, Jan 7: The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which represents more than 12.40 lakh chemists across the country, serves as the backbone of the pharmaceutical sector. More than 65 lakh member families and subordinates of AIOCD collectively impact the lives of more than 5 crore people. The main objective of our organization is to ensure uninterrupted availability of medicines to the citizens, and for this we are providing tireless service by following government guidelines.
Recently we were deeply disappointed to know that RailTel Corporation of India has proposed to invite bids from illegal online pharmacy platforms to deliver medicines to the consumers' homes.
AIOCD President JS Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal said that operation of e-pharmacies in the country is illegal. The Hon'ble Delhi High Court vide its order dated 12.12.2018 in W.P(C) 11711/2018 - Dr. Zaheer Ahmad vs Union of India and W.P(C) 10611/2018 - South Chemists and Distributors Association vs Union of India has prohibited the operation of online pharmacies. This order is in force till date.
Further, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) in its affidavit has clearly admitted that there is no provision for online pharmacies in India at present under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 or its rules.
Ban on home delivery of medicines:
As per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, distribution of medicines can be done only within the licensed premises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had allowed door-delivery of medicines under certain conditions under exceptional circumstances, but this notification applies only to local and registered pharmacies, not to any online platform. The organization has also demanded the government to repeal its notification.
Mandatory conditions on prescription:
Under Section 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, it is mandatory to mention the prescriber's signature, the seller's name and address along with the date of delivery on the prescription. These conditions clearly make the operation of online pharmacy platforms illegal.
Our demand:
AIOCD believes that this proposal by RailTel Corporation is tantamount to circumventing the laws of our country and putting public health at great risk. We hope that this decision was not taken deliberately.
AIOCD is committed to protecting the interests of the people of the country and the pharmaceutical sector. We appeal to RailTel Corporation to immediately withdraw this illegal proposal. |
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