Question : Regulations on e-Pharmacies in India

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) Whether the Government proposes to regulate the e-pharmacies in India;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard;;
(b) Whether the Government has any timeline by which the rules for regulation of e-pharmacies would be notified, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) Whether there are any estimates on business / number and size of transactions on e-pharmacies in India and if so, the details thereof?

(a) to (c): In order to regulate the online sale of medicines comprehensively, the Government published draft rules vide G.S.R. 817 (E) dated 28th August 2018 for inviting comments from public/stakeholders for amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 for incorporating provisions relating to regulation of sale and distribution of drugs through e-pharmacy.
The draft rules contain provisions for registration of e-pharmacy, periodic inspection of e-pharmacy, procedure for distribution or sale of drugs through e-pharmacy, prohibition of advertisement of drugs through e-pharmacy, complaint redressal mechanism, monitoring of e-pharmacy, etc.