Question : Online Sale of Drugs

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has formulated any provisions to regulate and monitor e-pharmacy or online sale of prescription drugs in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor along with the manner in which this is being regulated in the country;

(c) whether the Government has taken note of opposition from various chemist and druggist associations against the online sale of prescription drugs, and if so, the details thereof and the response of the Government thereto;

(d) whether the Government has set up any committee to look into the matter, and if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the other measures being taken by the Government to safeguard the interests of consumers as well as various stakeholders in the matter?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI JAGAT PRAKASH NADDA)
(a) & (b): The sale and distribution of drugs in the country is regulated under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules made thereunder. As per Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, Drugs specified in Schedule H, H1 or Schedule X can not be sold except on and in accordance with the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner. The supply of prescription

drugs can be effected only by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist from a licensed premises.

(c): A number of representations have been received from chemists and druggist associations against the online sale of prescription drugs. Similarly, a number of representations have also been received to permit such sales.

(d) & (e): The representations received were discussed in detail in the 48th meeting of the Drugs Consultative Committee (DCC), held on 24th July, 2015. The DCC has constituted a 7 - Member Sub-Committee to examine the issue of sale of drugs on the internet, while taking care of the risks and concerns related to such sales. All measures considered necessary for safeguarding the interests of Consumers are taken by the Government.