New Delhi : Here comes a time to see how Govt. decisions shape Indian Pharma industry. Indian Govt. implemented GST for Pharma manufacturers to control the prices of medicines and on next step to start e-portals for the sale of medicines. Central government’s policy is all ready to launch a centralized online pharmacy that will involve pharma manufacturers and supply chain managers to develop a safe system to control the sale of drugs.
India Pharma Industry worried about the consequences and foresees long term impact of latest govt. policies. Indian Chemists and Druggists will most affect by this online system as this will reduce their sales, profit margins etc.
All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) protested nationwide against plan of e-portal. But government not seems to make change in their decision.
These policies favors consumers but the main concern is about the quality and delivery service of that portal. Some people appreciate this as a part of Prime Minister’s Digital India movement. The medicines will be supplied only if consumer has a valid prescription. This will give control to the government to understand pharma business from its ins and outs.
Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 governed online pharmacy but decision made on the broad contours of a policy on any of the stakeholders’ recommendations.
Last meeting of Drug Consultative Committee held on 6th November, 2016 under the chairmanship of Dr Harshadeep Kamble, Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner. Committee has accepted the recommendations of a select group of state drug regulators on online pharmacy.
Government simply wants to make use of new technology to smoothen the process of pharma industry to help consumers. But the main concerns of the Chemists and Druggists are cut in profit margins and strong market competition from the e-portals.
