Staff Reporter,
Guwahati, June 11: The Joint Action Forum of Pharmaceutical Organisations (JAFPO) comprising of Chemists & Druggists Association of Assam, Centre of Medical & Sales Representative Union, (North East Region) Association of Advanced Pharmacy Practitioners & Assam Pharmaceutical Association addressed a press conference at Guwahati Press Club on June 11 here. JAFPO urged all concerned to take note of the development of sale of medicines through online mode as well as enhancement of medicine prices in the present scenario. JAFPO pointed out how online medicines providers/vendors are violating the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.1940 and Rule.1945. On-line medicines sales practice in Netmeds, PharmEasy, Apollo, Marg, Reliance. Amazon, Flipkart, KEIMED LIMITED, Ankamed, Esquare, EasySol, Uddan are going on offering drugs at low cost or at discounted prices to lure the customers as well aiming to finish the existing distribution channel which employs large numbers of employees. The discount offered through advertisement in print & electronic media is as high as 30%, whereas the Industry by & large gives trade margin 8% at stockist ,18% at retail level. Question automatically will come how online pharmacies can offer 30% against 26-28% trade margin. It is to be recalled that the Indian Medical Association (IMA) published white paper in 2022 stating that "online pharmacies will promote drug abuse, drug misuse, self-medication. Any medication taken without supervision of doctors may be dangerous and even potentially life threatening". Further it is directly contravening section 18(c) of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act 1940 & Rules 1945, which prohibits manufacture and sale of certain drugs. The restrictive drugs classified as Schedule H & Schedule X drugs NOT PERMITTED at all to be sold online, this is allowed only through valid prescription by Registered Medical Practitioners. While a separate register is to be maintained for Schedule HI drug sale. Organizations like IMA (Indian Medical Association) PCI (Pharmacy Council of India) CAIT (Confederation of Indian Trade) AIOCD (All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists), FMRAI (Federation of Medical & Sales Representative Association of India) at national level already raising their protest voices and demanded appropriate action to stop the multifarious effect in health care & Pharmaceutical Industry.
Interestingly, the Delhi HIGH Court in its ruling of DECEMBER, 2018 clearly asked the Government to stop the online sale of Medicines. JAFPO also appealed to the central Govt. to reduce the prices of medicines, which is now going beyond the reach of the people. The government should reduce the prices at MRP level, rather roll back the recent hike to the extent of 10% on 800 medicines belonging to National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM). APA, CDAA, CRU(NER), AAPP fervently appeal to the people not to fall in the trap of big online vendors for the interest of healthcare and people's health in general and to start awareness activities. Approx. 20 lakhs retail pharmacy/ chemist is working in the country and they are capable enough to serve the needs of the people. They had performed their duties even in pandemic situations – a release stated.
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