AIOCD Flags AI-Generated Fake Prescriptions, Writes to PM Seeking Shutdown of Unregulated E-Pharmacies

New Delhi: The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising what it describes as a "grave threat to public health" stemming from the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to generate fake medical prescriptions and the alleged exploitation of regulatory notifications by illegal e-pharmacies.

AIOCD President J. S. Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal informed that recent media investigations, including reports in a renowned newspaper, have revealed that AI-generated prescriptions with fabricated hospital details are being accepted by certain online platforms. AIOCD states that illegal e-pharmacies are misusing Government Notifications GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E) to bypass safeguards under the Drugs and Cosmetic Act,1940. Unlike offline chemists, online platforms lack effective human verification, making it nearly impossible to detect AI-generated fake prescriptions.

AIOCD has urged the government to immediately withdraw GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), shut down illegal e-pharmacies, and declare AI-generated prescriptions invalid nationwide in order to safeguard public health.

In its letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (Ref: PMO/AIOCD/379/2026), AIOCD said it wished to place on record its serious concern regarding the misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for generating fake medical prescriptions, as reported in The Times of India, and the illegal procurement of restricted and prohibited medicines using such documents.

The organization claimed that the investigation clearly demonstrates that AI-generated prescriptions—often bearing fictitious hospital names and fabricated details—are being accepted by certain online platforms, enabling unlawful sale of antibiotics, psychotropic drugs, opioids, Schedule H and Schedule X medicines, and even banned drugs.

According to AIOCD, such practices are enabling the unlawful sale of antibiotics, psychotropic drugs, opioids, Schedule H and Schedule X medicines, and even banned drugs. The body alleged that the situation is being “actively enabled and amplified” by illegal and unregulated e-pharmacy platforms operating under the cover of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E).

"These notifications, instead of strengthening regulation, are being misused as a loophole to justify the online sale of medicines without effective prescription verification or accountability," the letter stated.

AIOCD further argued that on online platforms, it is practically impossible to differentiate between genuine prescriptions and AI-generated fake documents.

In contrast, it said offline chemists retain human oversight—physical verification, patient interaction, and the discretion to refuse dispensing when authenticity is doubtful. The absence of such safeguards in online dispensing poses a serious threat to public health.

The organisation maintained that as long as GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E) remain in force, illegal e-pharmacies would continue to exploit these provisions, rendering enforcement ineffective.

In view of the above, AIOCD strongly urges CDSCO to:

1. AIOCD has repeatedly requested to immediately withdraw GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), as these notifications are being misused by illegal e-pharmacies to circumvent the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, but nothing has been done from your side.

2. Illegal and unregulated e-pharmacy platforms should be shut down immediately through strict and decisive action, including blocking of websites and digital payment gateways.

3. Prohibit the use of AI or any digital tool for generating medical prescriptions or prescription-like documents.

4. Declare AI-generated prescriptions illegal and invalid nationwide.

5. Ensure that law-abiding offline chemists are not penalized for technological frauds and systemic failures beyond their control.

AIOCD emphasized, "If the government is serious about controlling antimicrobial resistance, psychotropic drug abuse, and illegal medicine sales, withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E) is indispensable and cannot be delayed further."

The organisation concluded by reaffirming its commitment to cooperate with CDSCO in safeguarding public health and restoring the integrity of India’s drug regulatory system.