Health ministry has asked the state drug controllers to keep a check on online pharmacies selling prescription drugs until a clear cut guideline on regulating online pharmacy is framed based on a recent meet at Central Drug Standards Control Organization (CDSCO) office in Delhi.
This comes close on the heels of recommendations on online pharmacy being submitted by a DCGI appointed sub-committee to the CDSCO for further review. Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has also maintained that online pharmacies are not allowed to do so under the current provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
“A proper mechanism needs to be followed when it comes to selling medicines so that patients can get the benefits of technology. Creation of a central portal with a list of all online pharmacies is also being mulled over,” said Dr GN Singh, DCGI.
CDSCO is planning to launch a centralised online system which will help make use of new technologies to deliver medicines effectively in a regulated and feasible manner. According to health ministry officials, massive crackdown on online pharmacies is required as there are no checks and balances in place. This can promote self-medication and sale of fake drugs.
Meanwhile, Bombay High Court (HC) has also asked the government to take steps to curb illegal online sale of prescription drugs based on a petition.
The HC directive further states that government shall take steps to get in touch with the concerned departments namely the information technology department and information and broadcasting departments and inform the court what steps they propose to take and stop advertisement and sale of such drugs.
Dr Singh said there was no provision in the present Drugs and Cosmetics Act for online pharmacies. Online pharmacies in their present form can be used to acquire medicines without the supervision of a registered pharmacist or a proper prescription.