The government of Friday, informed Lok Sabha that Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued show cause notices to 31 pharma firms based on representations raising concerns over the online sale and sale through other electronic platforms in contravention to the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.In a written reply by Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar, mentioned that cases concerning the quality of drugs, when reported, was is taken up with the State Licensing Authority (SLA) concerned for necessary action under the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.Any conditions of these licences may be violated, and the SLAs are authorised to take appropriate action, including legal action in the proper court. She also informed the Lower House of Parliament that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) had received complaints about the selling of pharmaceuticals through the internet or other electronic channels in violation of the 1940 Drugs and Cosmetics Act.Pawar further added in the written reply that based on the findings, the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued the show cause notice to 31 drug firms engaged in the online sale on February 8 and 9. The CDSCO and Ministry of health has taken regulatory measures to ensure the quality of the medicines supplied in the country, under Drug and Cosmetic act, 1940, which was amended in 2008. She also said that certain offences have also been made non-bailable and special courts have been set up by the state and union territories for the speedy disposal of trails of offences that are made under Drug and Cosmetic Act.Pawar also said that there is a significant rise in the sanctioned posts in CDSCO in over past 10 years to ensure the quality of the drugs. With the amendment of the rules in the act, it has also been made compulsory before the grant of the manufacturing licence, that the manufacturing establishment is to be inspected jointly by the Drug Inspector and the state or central governments.AIOCD after sending noticesAfter the show cause notices, the firms were asked to reply with in the period of two days or face harsh action over the sale or distribution of medicines in the country. “Corporate houses were participating in predatory pricing while operating illegally with financial clout, in spite of all reasonable demands, arguments, conversations, and Honble High Court of Delhi judgements. More dangerous was the unanticipated rise in telephonic and counterfeit medications once e-pharmacies started selling medicines online across state lines in the country,” the AIOCD stated. The document went on to say that it was extremely difficult for state FDAs to trace and oversee interstate patient supply of sedatives, antibiotics, and pregnancy termination kits due to their easy access via internet apps and their availability.E-Pharmas to make case to the govt, after noticeAfter the show cause notice to the pharmacies, the central government is set to take serious action against the misuse of the medications by e-pharmacies, including the shut of their businesses. According to research, the model which is used in e-pharmacy can be problematic and harmful to the patients health. According to the chemist organization, online pharmacies are also producing their data, and planning to make a case to government regarding the same.According to a statement made by the All-Indian Origin Chemists and Distributors (AIOCD). This is because these activities put the publics health at risk. The sale of medicines over the internet and the promotion of drug sales through advertising with discounts and schemes are both prohibited by the Drug Acts, Pharmacy Act, and other drugs-related code of ethics.
