E-pharmacies, a challenge for drug controllers

Rajahmundry: The mushroom growth of chain drug stores of corporate firms and the popular practice of e-pharmacy pose a tough challenge to the drug control and regulatory authorities.

Multiple chain drug stores being set up in close proximity in tier-II and III cities which stores offer discounts of up to 50 per cent. They can do so as they buy medicines in bulk at competitive prices. Some firms have set up pharmaceutical companies on their own and manufacture drugs and other products ranging from a toothbrush to sanitary napkins to life saving drugs. 

They can sell these cheap and still make a hefty margin. The other attraction of chain drug stores is the modern amenities, good ambience and the presence of attendants. Some stores face allegations that the attendants are poorly qualified to dispense drugs.

These drug stores offer online sales as well. There is no mechanism to check if they are selling habit forming drugs without prescription. The Drug Control Administration hardly inspects these drug stores. 

So is the case with e-pharmacy which is becoming rampant as nobody knows from where the seller procures drugs. The seller identifies himself only through e-mail or mobile phone number.

The DCA is finds it difficult to track down these suppliers. Though the issue of allowing e-pharmacy is facing legal tangles, the Centre seems to be firm to allow it via legislation.

All India Chemists and Druggists Association vice-president Ramakrishna Rao said, “As the demand for medicines is going up, corporate firms are evolving a series of steps to tap the market and make huge money by setting up chain drug stores and launching e-pharmacy.”

“The only thing one can do is to regulate them to function as per norms and avoid any health hazards to patients, ” the association’s vice-president noted.