Industry body IAMAI asks Govt to Notify e-pharmacy rules immediately for fair competition
"The delay in notification of the draft e-pharmacy rules gives an opportunity to vested groups of distributors and retailers to spread misinformation in a manner that mutes competition and contributes to high drug prices in India," IAMAI said.;
New Delhi: Industry body IAMAI on Monday alleged that certain "vested groups of distributors and retailers" are spreading misinformation that mutes competition and contributes to high drug prices in India, and urged the government to finalize the draft e-pharmacy rules and notify them immediately.
The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI), representing e-pharma start-ups, said that in the absence of a set of clearly defined rules, "various groups with vested interests are approaching the courts and jeopardizing 30,000 livelihoods directly or indirectly employed in this sector". While IAMAI did not name these groups, it said these are also risking the health of six million consumers in 15,000 pin codes who were supplied during the COVID-19 lockdown.
"The delay in notification of the draft e-pharmacy rules gives an opportunity to vested groups of distributors and retailers to spread misinformation in a manner that mutes competition and contributes to high drug prices in India," IAMAI said. It added that it is important to enabling competition in the pharmaceutical supply chain.
IAMAI said the e-pharmacy model operates in full compliance and harmony with existing laws. Explaining the mechanism of operations, IAMAI said a digital platform receives the request for medicines from a patient along with the prescription and conveys it to a brick-and-mortar licensed pharmacy store that dispenses the medicine, fully governed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act (D&C Act).
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.