The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) is worried. It says that many online pharmacies in India are working without proper permission. These illegal websites are selling medicines in the wrong way. This can be very risky for people’s health.
AIOCD has asked the government to take strong and fast action. It also wants the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) and State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) to stop these illegal activities immediately.
What Are Illegal E-Pharmacies?
Illegal e-pharmacies are websites or apps that sell medicines without following rules. Many of them sell drugs without a proper doctor’s prescription. Some even give out strong medicines that can only be used under a doctor’s advice.
AIOCD says this is not safe. People might take the wrong medicine or use too much. This can cause serious health problems.
AIOCD Meets the DCGI
On July 21, AIOCD met with Dr. Rajeev Raghuvanshi, the Drug Controller General of India. In the meeting, they made some important demands:
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Stop all illegal online pharmacies right away.
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Cancel a rule called GSR 220(E), which is being misused.
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Ask State Licensing Authorities (SLAs) to do their job and take action quickly.
These steps can help protect people and also support licensed chemists who follow the law.
Why GSR 220(E) Is a Problem Now
During the COVID-19 lockdown, the government made a rule called GSR 220(E). It allowed online sale of medicines so people could stay safe at home.
But now, some companies are misusing this rule. They are using it as an excuse to sell medicines without licenses or prescriptions. AIOCD says this rule should be removed because the emergency is over.
SLAs Are Not Doing Enough
SLAs are the government bodies in each state that give permission to sell medicines. AIOCD says SLAs are not acting against these illegal companies.
Even when they know about the problem, many SLAs are not stopping these websites. AIOCD believes this is very dangerous. It is the job of SLAs to keep medicine sales under control and safe for everyone.
Good Chemists Are Being Hurt
Pharmacies that follow the rules are being affected. These shops check prescriptions, store medicines properly, and follow government rules.
But illegal online platforms skip all of this. They sell medicines at discounts or deliver quickly to attract customers. This is unfair to honest chemists and monopoly medicine companies in India who follow proper systems.
If this continues, many legal businesses could suffer and shut down.
Online Pharmacies Need to Be Safe
Online medicine stores can be helpful—if they follow the law. People living in remote areas or those who can’t travel can benefit from them. But they should sell medicines only with a valid prescription and through trained pharmacists.
Allowing websites to sell drugs freely without checks can lead to health problems, fake medicines, or even drug abuse. The government must make strong rules for digital platforms.
Role of Pharma Contract Manufacturers
Behind every tablet or syrup is a pharma contract manufacturing company. These companies make the medicines. They follow strict quality checks and safety guidelines.
If illegal websites sell fake or low-quality drugs, it also hurts these genuine manufacturers. That’s why controlling the online sale of medicines is very important—for both patients and companies that make safe medicines.
Final Thoughts
AIOCD is not against technology or online services. But it wants fair rules and safety for everyone. Illegal online pharmacies are not just bad for business—they are dangerous for people’s health.
The government, DCGI, and SLAs must act now. They should remove the outdated GSR 220(E), shut down illegal sellers, and protect legal chemists.
Medicine is not like any other product. It needs care, guidance, and responsibility. Let’s keep it safe for all.