The COVID-19 pandemic transformed various aspects of daily life, with technology playing a crucial role in facilitating essential services. Among these, the delivery of medicine to patients’ doorsteps emerged as a significant breakthrough, providing convenience and safety during a challenging time. However, as the health crisis subsides, the viability and regulation of this service are under scrutiny, especially with the recent proposals to review its future in India.
In March 2020, in response to the pandemic, the Indian government authorized the doorstep delivery of medicines. This move aimed to reduce crowding in pharmacies and ensure that patients could access their medications without the risk of virus transmission. Online pharmacies capitalized on this opportunity, rapidly expanding their services and connecting with patients through digital platforms.
Recently, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) recommended forming a sub-committee to assess the continuation of doorstep medicine delivery. This recommendation arose amid concerns raised by the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which claims that the delivery service has been misused. The AIOCD suggests that many online platforms prioritize profits over patient safety, often dispensing medications without validated prescriptions and potentially leading to self-medication and other health risks.
The AIOCD represents approximately 1.24 million chemists and distributors in India. They argue that the emergency conditions justifying the delivery service no longer exist, warranting the withdrawal of the initial notification. Their position highlights fears of exploitation by digital platforms that may engage in practices like issuing multiple prescriptions for the same medication, contributing to an increase in self-medication.
As India’s online pharmacies operate largely in a regulatory grey zone, the tension between traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies and digital platforms has been escalating. Since 2018, the Indian health ministry has attempted to draft regulations to govern online pharmacy operations, including the ban of certain drug sales without registration, but has yet to implement effective legislation. This lack of regulation raises concerns about the safety and efficacy of online dispensing practices.
-Raja Aditya
