The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has called for stringent scrutiny of online pharmacy operations in the wake of a major counterfeit drug seizure in Delhi. The body has sharply criticised authorities for failing to regulate e-pharmacies, even as they enforce strict measures on physical chemists.
E‑Pharmacies Under Fire After Counterfeit Drug Network Busted
A recent crackdown uncovered a large-scale counterfeit cancer drug network in Delhi. Investigations revealed significant involvement of e‑pharmacy platforms in the distribution of these dangerous medications. Despite repeated alerts from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), state licensing authorities (SLAs) in Delhi have allegedly taken no meaningful enforcement action.
AIOCD Raises Alarms Over Regulatory Gaps
AIOCD General Secretary Rajiv Singhal highlighted that many e-pharmacies continue to sell Schedule H, H1, and X drugs—which are strictly prescription-only—without proper documentation, licensing, or traceability. He emphasised that such unchecked operations pose a serious threat to public health.
The association has formally raised these concerns with both state bodies and the Union Health Ministry, seeking immediate government intervention or orders to suspend non-compliant platforms.
E‑Pharmacies vs. Brick‑and‑Mortar Chemists: Uneven Enforcement
AIOCD president Sandeep Nangia pointed out a troubling disconnect in enforcement. While small retail chemists in Delhi were recently mandated to install CCTV cameras by end of July, similar oversight is not applied to online platforms. Many small shop owners earn as little as ₹5,000 a month and view the surveillance requirement as costly and unfairly targeted.
Nangia questioned why strict rules are applied to local retailers while e-pharmacy platforms—some of which openly advertise heavy discounts—operate with far less scrutiny.
Why This Issue Matters for Indian Pharmacists and Students
- Uneven regulation risks public health: E-pharmacies selling unverified or counterfeit drugs without proper oversight undermine safety and trust.
- Professional accountability gaps: Without enforcement, licensed pharmacists and chemists face unequal burdens of compliance.
- Calls for comprehensive e‑pharmacy laws: India still lacks formal, dedicated rules governing online drug sales. The episode highlights the urgent need for clear, enforceable regulatory frameworks to ensure equitable treatment across digital and physical pharmacies.
I am a Registered Pharmacist under the Pharmacy Act, 1948, and the founder of PharmacyFreak.com. I hold a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree from Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Science and Research. With a strong academic foundation and practical knowledge, I am committed to providing accurate, easy-to-understand content to support pharmacy students and professionals. My aim is to make complex pharmaceutical concepts accessible and useful for real-world application.
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