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NEW DELHI – A prominent organization representing chemists and druggists in India has issued a grave warning about the burgeoning crisis of drug abuse, attributing a significant 55% surge to the unregulated and rapid delivery of prescription drugs by e-pharmacies and quick commerce platforms. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which represents over 12.40 lakh chemists, has formally appealed to the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for immediate intervention.
In a recent press release, the AIOCD underscored the alarming public health risks associated with platforms that promise the delivery of prescription medicines within a mere 10 minutes. The organization highlights that this expedited process often bypasses the necessary and legally mandated verification of prescriptions. This lack of oversight has allegedly led to the proliferation of “ghost prescriptions” and the misuse of telemedicine guidelines, making it dangerously easy for individuals, particularly the youth, to access habit-forming drugs.
The AIOCD’s plea emphasizes the stark disparity in regulatory scrutiny between traditional offline pharmacies, which are subject to stringent checks under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, and their online counterparts. To combat this growing threat, the chemists’ body has called for an immediate ban on the online sale and 10-minute delivery of Schedule H, H1, and X medicines—classes of drugs known for their potential for abuse. The organization also urged for the strict enforcement of existing regulations and the closure of e-pharmacies found in violation of the law, with the primary objective of protecting vulnerable populations from addiction.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information from a press release by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). Readers are advised to consult with a healthcare professional for medical advice and to use prescribed medication as directed.
Reference:
- Medical Dialogues. (2024, June 14). Chemists’ body warns of 55% rise in drug abuse, calls for ban on 10-minute prescription drug delivery. Retrieved from https://medicaldialogues.in/news/industry/pharma/chemists-body-warns-of-55-rise-in-drug-abuse-calls-for-ban-on-10-minute-prescription-drug-delivery-153461
