Regularisation of E-Pharmacies

Bengaluru, December 9, 2015: The sale and distribution of drugs in the country is regulated as per the provisions under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 made thereunder. As per said Rules, Drugs specified in Schedule H, H1 or Schedule X can’t 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. 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. 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 seven 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.

The Government always follows the normal process of inviting objections and suggestions from the stakeholders before making any rules.

The Health Minister, Shri J P Nadda stated this in a written reply in the RajyaSabha

Corporate Comm India(CCI Newswire)