The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Dr. G.N. Singh has said that the pharmaceuticals industry needs a new regulatory framework to effectively bring the e-pharmacy under its ambit.
"The role, responsibilities and liabilities of e-commerce marketplace and the product sellers need to be clearly defined. It becomes even more critical to have a framework in place when the intermediary is selling drugs where the safety and health of the consumer is of paramount importance," said Singh, at a FICCI consultative meeting on 'Pharma Guidelines for Reinforcing Due Diligence for Intermediaries (E-commerce Marketplace).
With the advent of technology, e-commerce industry has entered in healthcare space in the form of e-pharmacy. However, there are issues such as complaint being filed against e-commerce player/s for online sale of prescription based drugs.
To resolve these issues, Dr. Singh suggested that it would be beneficial for the regulator to engage with stakeholders in constructive brainstorming deliberations to reach a consensus.
He added that the Indian Government was forthcoming in adopting industry's recommendations and the Drugs Controller General would assist in providing a legal status to implementable suggestions of industry.
Dr. Singh assured that the interest of small retailers will be protected and it would be ensured that e-pharmacy does not disturb the existing supply chain system in place. The aim would be to integrate e-pharmacy in the existing system. He added that the Indian regulatory body was also engaging with international regulators in the space to derive a forward looking policy.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app