Drug consultative committee under the Union health ministry is likely to meet on November 4 and November 6 to deliberate on aspects related to information technology which can be aligned with the drug regulations existing currently to suit patient needs among other major pain points.

It is aimed at suggesting ways after the conclusion of the study by the sub-committee whether online pharmacy can be in the interest of the patient and patient safety, according to a senior official associated with the development.

Guidelines on the same is currently being reviewed by a Sub-Committee set up by the 48th Drug Consultative Committee under the chairmanship of Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr Harshdeep Kamble.

Likely to be submitted to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) very soon for further deliberations, the study has taken representations and views from the concerned stakeholders for a comprehensive online policy which will be further be reviewed by the health ministry after thorough review from the DCGI.

This will mark a positive step towards formulating a policy and subsequent release of a set of guidelines on the use of Information Technology in online pharmacy and authorise its legal validity. Online pharmacy is currently governed by Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

In most countries, the legitimate online pharmacies are given specific operating licenses that are shared with consumers to fight the menace of cross border internet pharmacies.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra FDA has maintained that online pharmacies can sell only OTC drugs and not prescription drugs until the policy on online pharmacy is framed. The DCGI had also earlier directed all the state drugs controllers to keep a strict watch on online sale of drugs and take action if there is violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules there under.

Based on Bombay High Court recent order to curb illegal online sale of medicines, the state regulator has also directed its drug inspectors to enhance vigil on online sale of Schedule H drugs by unregistered firms/websites. HC gave the order on a petition filed against advertisements of Schedule H drugs in electronic media and other digital media detrimental to patient safety.