In a letter to the Drug Controller General of India, the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists expressed concerns that the proposed move presents serious regulatory, health, and safety risks, contradicting the Drugs & Cosmetics Act of 1940.
Published Nov 04, 2024 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Nov 04, 2024 | 7:00 AM
Representative image of Swiggy delivery workers
Popular food delivery application Swiggy recently announced a partnership with PharmEasy to facilitate medicine deliveries within 10 minutes. This collaboration allows Swiggy to leverage PharmEasy’s established infrastructure and regulatory approvals, which are essential for delivering prescription medicines.
However, traditional pharmacies and chemist chains have expressed concerns about this instant delivery service.
Currently, this new service is being piloted in Bengaluru, where customers can order various medications, including pain relievers, fever reducers, and prescription drugs. Customers can either upload their prescriptions or have them generated during a consultation with a PharmEasy doctor.
While Swiggy Instamart previously offered basic over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, this partnership significantly expands the selection to include prescription medications.
This initiative is part of Swiggy’s strategy to increase average order values and attract new customers in the pharmacy sector. Additionally, the collaboration aims to strengthen Swiggy’s presence in the e-pharmacy market by providing a wider array of medications, including prescription options.
If drugs can be made easily available, why are pharmacists opposed to this initiative?
In a letter to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) at the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) stated, “As a healthcare association committed to public well-being, we believe that this move poses significant regulatory, health, and safety risks, in addition to conflicting with the standards outlined under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act of 1940.”
They further emphasised that the established regulatory framework in India is designed to ensure the safe and controlled distribution of medicines. Currently, online pharmacy models often bypass these safeguards, particularly regarding prescription verification, patient identity checks, and mechanisms to prevent misuse.
“A Public Interest Litigation is ongoing in the High Court of Delhi, where the Central Government has recently expressed difficulty in formulating operational rules for online pharmacies and has requested the Court to assess the case based on its merits. Despite the government’s position, certain corporations continue to disregard these regulations, compromising the health of our citizens,” the AIOCD stated.
The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) requires immediate and stringent action. “While the government actively raises awareness about AMR prevention, regulatory authorities seem indifferent to the unregulated operations of e-pharmacies, which undermine these efforts. The push for rapid business expansion by these corporations risks undermining national health initiatives for corporate gain,” said AIOCD.
Swiggy Instamart’s potential partnership with PharmEasy is particularly concerning, given that PharmEasy is currently involved in several legal cases for regulatory non-compliance. “Furthermore, PharmEasy withdrew its IPO plans following legal challenges to its business model. This should serve as a caution for Swiggy as it considers an IPO, as similar regulatory challenges may arise from this partnership,” the AIOCD warned.
Patient safety necessitates rigorous quality checks and safeguards to prevent the sale of expired or counterfeit medications. The rapid pace of dark store operations, designed for ultra-quick deliveries, could jeopardise these critical safety measures. Traditional chemists adhere to stringent standards that may not be feasible in a high-speed delivery environment.
“In light of these concerns, we respectfully request that your office urgently review the impact of such partnerships on the regulatory framework and, most importantly, on public health and safety. The essential role of traditional chemists in providing safe, accessible, and personalised healthcare must be safeguarded. We trust that the CDSCO will take decisive action to address these pressing issues,” stated the AIOCD.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
