Question : Online Sale of Medicines

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that Government is proposing to give permission to sell medicines online and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has received any representation against giving permission for online sale of medicines in view of its complex problems, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government is aware of the exorbitant rate of drugs sold online, if so, the details thereof; and

(d) whether the Government is planning to introduce any regulatory mechanism in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SHRI HANSRAJ GANGARAM AHIR)

(a) to (d): 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. These 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 being taken by the Government.
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