Online pharmacy is a global platform for the customers to buy medicines online but in the past few years, a lot happened to these online portals. So, let us find out what happened in 2018 and 2019 to these online pharmacies.
On Dec. 2018, a complete ban on online pharmacies was ordered across the country by Delhi high court in response to a petition. According to which medicines are very crucial as they can save and destroy life. online medicines are helpful in the areas where people are educated and can order their medicines but what about the areas where education is still in the struggle itself. In these areas, people can order wrong medicines while purchasing medicines and can be a victim.
All the online pharmacies are regulated under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, Drugs and Cosmetics Rule, 1945, and the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
After issuing this order most of the online pharmacies are still running. They say that when we get the official order from the DHC (Delhi High Court) they will shut it down but till then these online portals will remain open.
There are 250+ online pharmacies are currently running in India covering Rs 1.2 lakh crore market annually. These online pharmacies are providing a heavy discount on medicines up to 60% with free home delivery and many other attractive offers to their customers. The big players like Netmeds, PharmEasy, and LifeCare has raised a total of 96 million funds from the investors.
According to the guidelines online pharmacies have to register for a license with the DCGI (Drug Controller General of India), and this license will be valid for 3 years. Selling and advertising of narcotic drugs, tranquilizers, and Schedule X drugs are strictly prohibited.
In 2019, The new government is planning to create new rules to bring clarity to the health sector. According to which only government-registered online pharmacies can sell medicines only by after verification the prescription provided by the patients and
“Any person who intends to conduct the business of e-pharmacy shall apply for the grant of registration to the Central Licensing Authority in Form 18AA through the online portal of the central government".
All these indicate a positive aspects of government to the Indian online pharmacies and that is why in 2019 most of the companies are thinking to expand their services.
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Conclusion
2018 was a tough year for online pharmacies, many legal and illegal questions are raised against them but 2019 is a relaxing year till now as the government is likely in full support of online pharmacies.
