New Delhi. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has urged Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji 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 posing a grave threat to public health.
Concerns Raised in Mann Ki Baat Highlight National Health Emergency
Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent “Mann Ki Baat” address, AIOCD said the concerns raised by the PM, based on ICMR findings, underline a national health emergency where commonly used antibiotics for pneumonia and urinary tract infections are becoming ineffective due to indiscriminate use and self-medication.
Illegal Online Pharmacies Violating Drugs & Cosmetics Act
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 authorised prescriptions. Many such platforms, it alleged, are misusing tele-medicine guidelines by arranging superficial online consultations to generate frivolous prescriptions.
Delhi High Court Observations Ignored, Enforcement Lacking
“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.
Delay Will Worsen Treatment Failures: AIOCD Warning
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.
Commitment Towards Healthy India – Safe India
Reaffirming its commitment to the national cause, AIOCD said it fully supports the Government’s vision of “Healthy India – Safe India” and will continue to promote awareness against self-medication and the rational use of antibiotics.
AIOCD Slogan:
“Healthy India – Safe India”
Antibiotics must be used strictly on a doctor’s prescription.
All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD)
J. S. Shinde – President
Rajiv Singhal – General Secretary