Unrestricted Antibiotic Sales via E-Pharmacies: AIOCD Flags AMR Risk, Seeks PM Modi's Intervention

New Delhi: In a strong appeal flagging an escalating public health emergency, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take immediate and decisive action against illegally operating e-pharmacies, warning that their unchecked sale of antibiotics without valid prescriptions is accelerating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and endangering millions of lives.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent “Mann Ki Baat” address, the AIOCD said the concerns highlighted by the Prime Minister, based on findings of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), underline a serious national health crisis.

According to the ICMR data cited by the PM, commonly used antibiotics for infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections are increasingly becoming ineffective due to indiscriminate use and self-medication.

AIOCD, representing over 12.40 lakh licensed chemists and druggists across India, stated that illegal online pharmacies are openly violating the Drugs & Cosmetics Act by supplying antibiotics and other prescription medicines without authorized prescriptions. Many such platforms, it alleged, are misusing telemedicine guidelines by arranging superficial online consultations to generate frivolous prescriptions.

“These illegal practices have been repeatedly flagged by regulatory agencies and reported in the media. The Hon’ble Delhi High Court has also categorically observed that e-pharmacies are illegal, yet enforcement remains inadequate,” AIOCD said.

Warning that any delay would worsen treatment failures and overburden the healthcare system, AIOCD demanded:

• Immediate closure of all illegally operating e-pharmacies, and

• Structured cooperation with AIOCD to prevent online sale of prescription medicines without valid medical prescriptions.

Reiterating its public health message, the AIOCD said it remains committed to the national vision of “Healthy India – Safe India”, stressing that antibiotics must be used strictly on a doctor’s prescription.