(a) whether the Government has taken note of marketing of illegal
and banned drugs through Internet pharmacies and courier services;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has taken/ proposed any steps to check the above
practice;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (e): Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, drugs are permitted
to be sold by the licencees holding a valid licence and in compliance with
the requirements as prescribed for different categories of drugs. Illegal
and banned drugs are not permitted to be sold under the said rules.
In cases of marketing of drugs through internet, the physical delivery
of these drugs to the actual purchasers cannot take place as they have
to cross the ports/sea-ports which are manned by the personnel of the
Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and customs department,
who permit the shipment of only those drugs which are permissible under
the said Rules.