Pharmacists demand regulation of E-pharmacy platforms

Pharmacists across the country have expressed strong opposition to the online sale of medicines through e-pharmacy and quick commerce platforms, alleging that steep discount rates and the illegal sale of medicines are severely affecting their businesses. Pharmacists’ associations have also announced shutdowns of medical stores across the country as part of their agitation.

Pharmacists and chemists in Bengaluru also voiced con cern over the issue, urging the government to intervene and ensure a level playing field. “We have to follow one set of rules, while they seem to follow another. How is that fair? The government must understand the seriousness of the issue and take action.

There is only so much we can do, and they do not listen to us anyway”, said Hansraj, a pharmacist from Shivajinagar, highlighting regulatory concerns. He further added that the online platforms were also selling medicines classified under Schedule H, H1 and Schedule X of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act without adhering to the authorisation procedures that are mandatory for physical medical stores.

He stated that the government must establish clear guidelines and ensure that on line platforms comply with the same regulatory standards applicable to conventional pharmacies. “We have opposed e-pharmacies and online medicine delivery apps from the beginning. Now they are operating an entirely different illegal business model and offering discounts of 25 to 30 per cent, which is badly affecting us!”, said another chemist from Shivajinagar.

He clarified that pharma cists were not against online platforms entirely, but de manded that they stop exces sive discounting practices. Pharmacists further pointed out that physical medical stores incur significant operational costs, including rent, licences, employee salaries and medicine procurement expenses, making it difficult to match the discounts offered online. Hansraj further noted that medical stores in India are not permitted to advertise dis counts, placing them at a fur ther disadvantage