Govt may soon put a ban on e-pharmacy apps


By MYBRANDBOOK


Govt may soon put a ban on e-pharmacy apps

The Union Health Ministry in India is considering regulations and strict actions against e-pharmacies due to concerns over data privacy, malpractices, and baseless sale of drugs. Sources say the government is even considering a complete ban on e-pharmacies. Apps like Tata 1mg and Netmeds can soon face a ban over the online sale of drugs for alleged violation of norms.

 

As per a report, the revised draft of the New Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Bill, 2023, which is still undergoing inter-ministerial consultation, proposes that the central government may regulate, restrict or prohibit the sale or distribution of any drug by online mode.

 

"The central government may regulate, restrict or prohibit the sale or distribution of any drug by online mode, by notification." the bill read. The bill seeks to replace the existing Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940 by removing the provision in the old draft bill, which required permission to operate an e-pharmacy.

 

The old draft noted, "No person shall himself or by any other person on his behalf sell, or stock or exhibit or offer for sale, or distribute, any drug by online mode (e-pharmacy) except under and in accordance with a license or permission issued in such manner as may be prescribed."

 

The pharmacy apps reportedly collect area-wise data related to the consumption of medicines, which increases the risks involved with patient safety. A group of ministers had earlier expressed their support for banning online pharmacies.

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