Submitting a memorandum to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Punjab Chemists' Association (PCA) has urged the Central Government to take immediate action against the online sale of medicines, claiming that such practices pose a threat to public health and the livelihood of small chemists.

The association alleged that medicines are being sold online without proper regulation, leading to concerns over fake e-prescriptions, home delivery of medicines without valid medical consultation, and heavy discounting practices. Surinder Duggal of the association said that these activities could endanger patient safety and adversely affect licensed pharmacy businesses.

The association also apprised the minister that there is no clear legal provision for the online sale of medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Rules of 1945. Despite this, several online platforms have continued to sell medicines for years, the association claimed.

The PCA stated that these online pharmacies are misusing the relaxations given during the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate medicine delivery under exceptional circumstances. The relaxation is being misused by some online platforms and quick-commerce companies, said Duggal.

The association said it has repeatedly brought these concerns to the notice of government authorities but has not seen adequate action. It called upon the minister to the urge the Central Government to intervene and ensure stricter regulation of medicine sales, while also protecting the interests of small chemists and retailers.