The Indian Internet Pharmacy Association (IPA) called for the regulators and the government to help ensure there is an end to the harassment faced by the new entrepreneurs in this.
Its business model in detail and is demanding a level field for all players in the pharmacy space, without favour or bias. They seek clarity on guidelines to enable legitimate players to develop their business in this space and bring in the much needed innovation and technology driven transparency in this sector, leveraging best practices from across the world, IPA explained.
The ePharmacy business model has been in the news lately for multiple reasons. At one end, consumers are benefitting from the increased transparency, access, affordability and convenience; also the model holds tremendous promise for the regulatory body to tackle the issues of fake medicines since the entire supply chain is well documented and tracked, and also ensures better pharmacovigilance. The new-age retail pharmacies want to partner with digital platforms to develop and grow their business; and investors have shown a keen interest to participate – however the unprecedented and high handed activity by AIOCD and Maharashtra FDA have brought up serious questions around the re-strengthening of the “license raj”, reduced ease of doing business and a negative environment for innovation, especially in Maharashtra.
In today’s world, when most products and services are conveniently delivered to the patients’ door-step, it is imperative we encourage access models that help sick patients avail convenience of medicine delivery without needing to leave their home. In healthcare, perhaps more than any other area, the consumer is unwell and should have easy access to medicines at home, which is now very much possible.
The Internet Pharmacy Association brings together the legitimate players in this segment to improve the last mile access of medicines using digital technologies without compromising the safety of the patient. It aims to contain the potential for any abuse. The IPA which is an association of E-Pharmacy players and their vendors announced that they are specifically being targeted with an apparent bias and operations are put under disproportionate scrutiny by the concerned authorities and governing bodies. The challenge that these companies face today is of stiff resistance, including unwarranted disruptions from the government machinery, particularly in a Maharashtra and Karnataka, and the prevailing trade association that is averse to any new models or transparency in this space.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) had earlier directed all the state/UT drugs controllers to keep a strict watch on online sale of drugs and take action against those engaged in online sale of drugs, if that is found to be in violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules there under. The IPA supports all efforts to clamp down on violations of the act and help clear the misconceptions. As clarified by the IPA, there are potentially multiple online pharmacies operating from different parts of the world that need to be monitored and action should be taken against. In most countries, to fight this menace of cross border internet pharmacies, the legitimate players are given specific operating licenses – that are shared with consumers. IPA recommends a similar model for India, and also a crackdown on all illegitimate players, online and offline.
