Question : Online Sale of Medicines

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

(a) whether the Government is aware that scheme of online sale of medicines has encouraged sale of restricted/ banned medicine in the country, if so the details thereof;

(b) whether any complaints regarding delivery of fake/prohibited/expired medicines by online e-Pharmacy companies have been received during the last three years;

(c) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise along with the action taken in this regard; and

(d) whether the Government initiated any steps to clamp down on the sale of prohibited/fake drugs online and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a): No.

(b) to (d): The manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs in the country is regulated under the provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 thereunder through a system of licensing and inspection. Licenses for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs are granted by the State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) appointed by respective State Governments. SLAs are legally empowered to take stringent action against violation of provisions of the Act and Rules.

Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not received any such complaints regarding delivery of fake/prohibited/expired medicines by online pharmacy during the last three years.