Get Your Drugs Online Now, But Under Strict Central Supervision; Draft Rules For E-Pharmacies Now In Place

The government has informed Parliament that it has published draft rules that will provide the regulatory framework necessary for the sale and distribution of drugs through online stores, as reported by Economic Times (ET). The winter session of Parliament, which began on Monday (11 December 2018), will conclude on 8 January 2019.

"Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has published draft rules to amend Drugs and Cosmetics Rules regarding regulation of distribution or sale, stock, exhibit or offer for sale of drugs through e-pharmacy,” said Mansukh L Mandaviya, Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Also Read: Dear Health Ministry, Why Should Brick-and-Mortar Facilities Be Compulsory For E-Pharmacies?

According to the draft rules, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) will be the sole government agency that will grant licences to online pharma stores with a validity of three years. DCGI works under the ambit of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), which, in turn, operates under the direction of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Also, in the Indian subcontinent, the minister said that The Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, had provisions to sell, stock, exhibit or offer for sale or distribution of drugs.”

According to S Eswara Reddy of the DGCI, the e-pharmacy market in India is Rs 3,500 crore and is expected to become a Rs 25,000 crore opportunity in the next three to four years.