PANAJI
Chemists and Druggists Association of Goa (CDAG), comprising 750 registered retail pharmacies and 200 wholesalers, will join the nation-wide chemists’ bandh on October 14 opposing central government’s move towards regularization of ’e-pharmacy’ business i.e. sale of medicines over internet.
The nation-wide bandh has been declared by All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) having a membership of over eight lakh chemists across India.
Announcing the decision well in advance, President of CDAG Prasad Tamba on Saturday requested general public to procure necessary medicines prior to the onset of bandh which will be observed from midnight on October 13 to midnight on October 14. It was informed that drugstores at all government hospitals will remain open to cater to emergencies.
Explaining how ‘e-pharmacy’ business poses a threat to public health, Tamba stated, “Online sale of medicines is illegal as it is in violation of present provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945. The main concern is with regards to verifying authenticity of prescriptions submitted online. This could lead to misuse and irrational use of drugs which threatens to increase the risk of Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR).”
CDAG expressed fear that e-pharmacy business will not only boost unscrupulous sale of prescription drugs but it will also facilitate entry of low quality and misbranded drugs. Besides, it was stated that online sale of medicines would impact availability of medicines in rural India owing to the lack of infrastructure and manpower.
While questioning the storage of medicines, especially while in transit, which could affect potency of drugs, Tamba also sought to point out that online pharmacies may promote substitution of drugs in case of unavailability.
Tamba further stated that online transactions in this sector could severe the doctor-patient-pharmacist cord thereby curtailing information and clarification over dosage, side effects and such other elements.
CDAG cautioned against the online sale of medical articles such as i-pills, MPT kits, anti-depressants, cough syrups, sexual stimulants and habit-forming drugs which could lead to rise in drug abuse.
Treasurer of CDAG Amit Kamat held that an amendment in the existing Act aimed at monitoring and regularizing e-pharmacies should pay due attention to creation of required infrastructure and appropriate categorization of drugs.
CDAG honorary secretary Lyndon D’Silva, wholesalers’ chairman Albert D’Sa and retailers’ chairman Mackenzie Da Costa were also present.
