Pune: Chemists Demand Ban On Online Medicine Sales, Warn Of Public Health Risks
Pune: Chemists Demand Ban On Online Medicine Sales, Warn Of Public Health Risks
Pune, August 18, 2025: The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), in collaboration with the Pune Chemists’ Association, has voiced strong opposition to the growing trend of online medicine sales and called for immediate government intervention.
The associations have urged authorities to ban e-pharmacy platforms promoting 10-minute drug delivery, warning that such practices endanger public health.
Chemists highlighted that cases of medicine misuse through online platforms have risen by almost 55 percent, raising concerns that health complications may become more pronounced in the future. They alleged that several e-pharmacy companies are operating without valid licenses and are selling medicines without mandatory doctor prescriptions.
The associations also questioned the authenticity and storage conditions of drugs sold online, pointing out that even abortion pills are being made available without proper regulation.
Despite repeated violations, they claimed that no strict action has been taken against these companies so far.
In a memorandum submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, AIOCD president Jagannath Shinde and secretary Rajiv Singhal emphasized that online sales of medicines have not received legal approval. They reminded that, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and FDA regulations, medicines can only be sold under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
Echoing these concerns, Pune District Chemists’ Association president Anil Belkar warned that dispensing unsafe or incorrect medicines through unregulated platforms could have devastating consequences for public health.
