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The Karnataka Chemists and Druggists Association (KCDA) views the GSR 817(E) as a controversial draft notification proposing regulations for e-pharmacies, including registration, prescription verification, and penalties for non-compliance.
According to the Association, the draft notification has not been enacted or withdrawn, leading to concerns from the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) about e-pharmacies operating without a clear legal framework despite ongoing governmental review. The chemists' bandh on May 20, underscored concerns about online pharmacies distributing antibiotics and addictive medications without the requisite prescriptions.
Retail pharmacy traders are concerned that online medicine sales have created unfair competition through predatory pricing and significant discounts, sometimes up to 50%. They argue that these discounts, funded by large corporations, threaten the sustainability of local retail chemists and create an uneven market. The government notification G.S.R. 220(E), implemented during the Covid-19 lockdowns of 2020, aimed to facilitate the home delivery of medications. However, the continuation of this temporary relaxation beyond the pandemic has resulted in loopholes that disproportionately favour e-pharmacies and rapid-commerce medicine applications, as quoted in the KCDA Infomail published after the May 20 AIOCD nation-wide strike held to protest against e-pharmacies.
The rise of corporate supported online pharmacy providing deep discounts presents a serious challenge to the survival of traditional chemists. The competitive pricing tactics used by these online platforms create a tough landscape for local chemist shops that function within fixed profit margins and regulated pricing frameworks. However, by capitalizing on the unique advantages of traditional chemists such as personalized service, community involvement, and a diverse product range, these can maintain their relevance and continue to deliver valuable services, noted R Raghunath Reddy, president, KCDA.
According to Ambekallu Jeevan, secretary, KCDA, transparency is often lacking in the online sale of medications. Local vendors are consistently accountable, as they cannot simply relocate overnight. The government should tackle the issue of online medicine sales by utilizing licensed local professional sellers. This approach would not only protect consumers but also support local businesses, fostering a more trustworthy pharmaceutical environment. Government can create a safer and more reliable system for the distribution of medicines. Public awareness campaigns could also play a crucial role in educating consumers about the potential dangers of purchasing medications online without proper verification.
Bandu Katti, secretary, The Bagalkot District Chemists & Druggists Association, noted that the e-pharmacy, which has persistently remained in the market, is succeeding through strategic partnerships. However, it is regrettable that the law has remained unresponsive and silent. Government intervention is urgently needed. Traditional pharmacy stores and e-pharmacies are striving to find a balance between their operations. Even so, this situation can still pose risks for the consumer, both sectors are utilizing their resources and capitalising on each other's strengths to establish an effective healthcare ecosystem. As the lines between the physical and digital worlds keep fading, consumers are increasingly being drawn towards online purchase because of convenient home delivery and competitive pricing, often ignoring the unexpected risks that come with chemically-made medications.
The Kolar District Chemists and Druggists Welfare Association Secretary Umesh urged the government to re-evaluate GSR 817 and GSR 220, highlighting the substantial contributions made by the chemist community during the crucial period of the Covid-19 pandemic.
We urge the government to take action against these illegal online vendors, as their practices may lead to addiction among the youth. Our nationwide strike was aimed to put an end to e-pharmacies, said Jeevan.
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