Central Drugs Standard Control Organisations has come up with draft rules to monitor the sale and distribution of medicines through e-pharmacy, bringing pharmacy portals such as PharmaEasy and Netmed under the purview of the government laws scanner.
According to the draft rules, the portals selling drugs online will now have to register and maintain proper information about stocks, distribution and prescriptions against any sale. The government regulators under drug law will conduct periodic inspection of online pharma stores. In case of substandard drugs, the portals will be penalised under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
As reported by a national publication Time of India, official have stated that public comments have been invited on the draft within 45 day after which the rules will be notified through a final notification.
The move assumes significance as in the last two years close to 500 players have entered the e-pharmacy space, despite strong opposition from the chemists running traditional shops. While there are around 15 major players in the segment, a lot of traditional retailers are also gradually making the shit with growing internet penetration ad online demands.
