Safety concerns over e-pharma put Centre in a spot

April 30, 2023

Why in news?

The Central Health Ministry is not willing to allow e-pharmacy platforms to operate without regulation and oversight.
It believes that such a move would be too risky and could pose a significant threat to public health and safety.

What’s in today’s article?

What is E-pharmacy?

E-pharmacy, also known as online pharmacy or internet pharmacy, is a digital platform that allows customers to purchase medicines and other health-related products over the internet.
E-pharmacies are a form of e-commerce, where customers can browse through a wide range of medicines, medical devices, and health supplements and order them from the comfort of their own home.

What is the size of e-pharmacy Market in India?

In 2021, the market for online pharmacies was worth ₹25.50 billion.
It is anticipated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.20% from 2022 to 2027 when it is expected to reach ₹89.47 billion.

What is the Legislative Framework for e-Pharmacies in India?

As of now, no exact rules are in place for E-drug stores in India, and this is a significant inhibitor to the online drug store market in India.
At present, E-pharmacies in India follow the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945, the Pharmacy Act 1948 and the Indian Medical Act 1956.
However, the electronic sale of physician-prescribed drugs from online drug store sites is expressed under the IT Act, 2000.
E-pharmacies are managed by state drug controllers and approvals for E-pharmacies should be given by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
The MoH&FW in 2018 came out with draft rules to control the online offer of medications and availability of genuine drugs from certifiable online sites.
But, after being sent to a group of ministers, the proposal was immediately put on hold.
Since then, multiple court orders and the 172nd Parliamentary Standing Committee report have called for regulating e-pharmacies.
An administrative structure to oversee/regulate the e-pharmacy sector is necessary when antimicrobial resistance (AMR), criminal and risky movement of drugs, is on the rise.

News Summary: Safety concerns over e-pharma put Centre in a spot

Why there is need for regulation and oversight of e-pharma in India?

Consumer safety
- There are concerns over the distribution of illegal or unethical medicines, or outdated, substituted, or counterfeit medications.
Other issues
- Unlimited accessibility to medicines through e-pharmacy, sale of sub-standard, habit-forming medicines [like sedatives, mood-altering drugs], profiling of patients and buyers, and illegal data collection are the main concerns.
- Drug abuse, misuse, self-medication, access to children etc. are problems that the e-pharma industry is currently facing.
- Besides, there is no place or system to evaluate adverse drug reactions.
- Also, there is no clarity on drug storage conditions and no system of immediate recall in case of drugs.
There is a general notion that vigilance must win over the perceived convenience and economics of the e-pharma market.

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