The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists
(AIOCD), representing over 12.40 lakh chemists and impacting the lives of more
than 5 crore people across India, has strongly criticized the Ministry of
Railways for endorsing what it calls "illegal online pharmacy
operations." AIOCD has expressed deep concern over RailTel Corporation of
India’s proposal to invite bids from online pharmacy platforms to facilitate
doorstep medicine delivery.
In a joint statement, AIOCD President J.S. Shinde and
General Secretary Rajiv Singhal asserted that the operation of e-pharmacies in
India is unequivocally illegal. Referring to the Delhi High Court’s order dated
December 12, 2018, the leaders highlighted that the court explicitly prohibited
online pharmacy operations through its rulings in Dr. Zaheer Ahmad vs Union of
India and South Chemists and Distributors Association vs Union of India. This
prohibition remains in force, making RailTel’s proposal a blatant violation of
the law.
RailTel's
Proposal Raises Legal and Ethical Concerns
AIOCD pointed out that the Central Drugs Standard
Control Organization (CDSCO) has admitted in its affidavit that the Drugs and
Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules do not permit online pharmacy
operations. The AIOCD stressed that as per the Act, the distribution of
medicines is confined strictly to licensed premises, with door-to-door delivery
allowed only under exceptional circumstances by local, registered
pharmacies—not online platforms.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government had
temporarily permitted door-delivery of medicines under strict conditions.
However, AIOCD emphasized that this allowance was an emergency measure and
should not be misinterpreted as a green light for the widespread operation of
online pharmacies.
Public
Health at Risk
“AIOCD is shocked and dismayed at RailTel
Corporation’s disregard for legal norms and public health,” said Shinde and
Singhal. They argued that online pharmacy platforms fail to adhere to critical
regulations under Section 65 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandates
clear documentation of the prescriber’s signature, the seller’s name and
address, and the date of delivery on prescriptions. These conditions make
online pharmacy operations inherently non-compliant with Indian law.
AIOCD’s
Stand and Call to Action
The AIOCD has demanded that RailTel Corporation
withdraw its proposal immediately, warning that this initiative undermines the
pharmaceutical sector and endangers public health. “This proposal is tantamount
to circumventing the laws of our country and jeopardizing the safety of
millions,” said Shinde.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the
interests of citizens and the pharmaceutical sector, the AIOCD has called on
the government to revoke its notification allowing limited door-delivery of
medicines and take stringent action against any entities promoting illegal
practices.
“Our organization stands united to protect public
health and uphold the laws of the nation. We hope this decision was not made
intentionally but urge RailTel to reconsider and act in the best interest of
the country,” Shinde concluded.
No comments:
Post a Comment