The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) demanded that the government ensure an equitable ecosystem for all the players to sustain in the market by ensuring a level playing field.
At its sixth national-level executive committee meeting conducted in Tirupati, AIOCD president J.S. Shinde expressed serious displeasure over the unhealthy practices prevailing in the market, especially with the advent of online sale of pharmaceutical products.
“Certain quick commerce and e-commerce platforms were allegedly misusing the provision of the Gazette Notification relating to doorstep delivery of medicines issued during the emergency time. AIOCD has already brought these concerns to the attention of the concerned Ministers and government authorities and has requested appropriate corrective measures,” he said.
Similarly, the body expressed concern over predatory pricing practices and the unregulated expansion of online sale of medicines. Despite repeated representations and follow-up efforts, the government is yet to wake up to the reality, the meeting stated.
The members recalled that the body had already submitted representations to the Members of Parliament across the country, the Prime Minister, the Union Health Minister and others concerned, besides holding a nation-wide bandh two months ago to draw the nation’s attention to the issue.
