AIOCD Urges PM Modi to Shut Down Illegal E-Pharmacies, Citing Health Risks

The AIOCD has appealed to PM Narendra Modi to close illegal e-pharmacies, citing risks like antibiotic resistance and legal violations. They demand the withdrawal of specific government notifications promoting unregulated digital medicine sales, highlighting grave threats to India's healthcare security and public safety.

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing over 12.4 lakh legitimate pharmacies across India, has made an urgent plea to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to close down illegal e-pharmacies and retract GSR 817 and GSR 220 notifications. Aimed at safeguarding public interest, AIOCD warns against the burgeoning threat posed by these unregulated entities.

AIOCD President JS Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal highlighted that the unsupervised sale of medicines, particularly antibiotics, by illegal e-pharmacies and quick-commerce apps has escalated into a significant risk to national health security. This concern follows media reports exposing unauthorized platforms dispensing prescription drugs without proper medical examination, often through fraudulent means.

The organization insists that such practices flagrantly breach various laws, including the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Pharmacy Act. AIOCD has laid out three core demands to the Prime Minister: the immediate cessation of illegal e-pharmacy operations, the withdrawal of GSR 817 and GSR 220 that facilitate unregulated medicine sales, and reinforced protection for vulnerable populations against unsafe online medical practices. AIOCD vows to work with the government to uphold healthcare integrity.

(With inputs from agencies.)