<div><em> DGCI, G N Singh is in talks with international agencies like USDFA, PMDA and European agencies to overlook how they control online sale of medicine, writes </em><strong><em>Arshad Khan</em></strong><br><br><br>The Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) will be formulating a new regulatory framework for online sales of medicines to bring the controversial e-pharmacy under its sphere and ensure safety of consumers.</div><div> </div><div>"The role, responsibilities and liabilities of e-commerce marketplace and the product sellers need to be clearly defined. It becomes even more critical to have a framework in place when the intermediary is selling drugs where the safety and health of the consumer is of paramount importance," said DCGI, G N Singh.</div><div> </div><div>Speaking at the Ficci’s consultative meeting on 'Pharma Guidelines for Reinforcing Due Diligence for Intermediaries’ Singh said the industry needs a new regulatory framework to effectively bring e-pharmacy under its ambit since The Drugs and Cosmetics Act does not have any guidelines for e-commerce players in pharmaceuticals sector.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Drugs Controller General (India) appointed Ficci as the nodal agency for consolidating the guidelines and for seeking views from All India Chemists and Druggists Association, States Chemists and Druggists Associations, OPPI (Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producer of India), Indian Medical Association, CIPI, BDMA, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry and consumer forums.</div><div> </div><div>Singh said that he is in talk with international agencies like USDFA, PMDA and European agencies to overlook how they control online sale of medicine. It is important for us to over from conventional to modern system of governance which a place for e-pharmacy. Hence, it is essential to create guidelines for e-pharmacy that checks the use of technology as safety of patient, quality of drugs and robust supply chain.</div><div> </div><div>To resolve these issues complaints being filed against e-commerce players for online sale of prescription based drugs, Singh suggested that it would be beneficial for the regulator to engage with stakeholders in constructive brainstorming deliberations to reach a consensus.</div><div> </div><div>Singh assured that the interest of small retailers will be protected and it would be ensured that e-pharmacy does not disturb the existing supply chain system in place. The aim would be to integrate e-pharmacy in the existing system</div><div> </div><div>On the issue of complaints filed against e-commerce players for online sale of prescription drugs, Singh suggested that it be beneficial for the regulator to engage with the stakeholders in constructive to reach a final conclusion</div><div> </div><div>He added that the government was forthcoming in adopting industry's recommendations and the Drugs Controller General would assist in providing a legal status to implementable suggestions of industry. He also assured that the interest of small retailers will be protected and it would be ensured that e-pharmacy does not disturb the existing supply chain system in place.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><strong>Backgroud</strong></div><div> </div><div>In April, Maharashtra's Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) conducted raid on the premises of Snapdeal.Com for allegedly selling medicines, including prescription drugs. Post this incident, several state FDAs have cracked down on such e-retailers that were selling prescription drugs in their jurisdiction. For example, the Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration(FDCA) had cracked down on a Surat-based firm Prowisor Pharma, an online pharmacy last month.<br> </div><div>More recently, Indian Pharmacist Association (IPA) wrote to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) for not allowing online pharmacies in India. All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) too urged the government to put a ban on the same.</div><div> </div>
