‘Crackdown against websites for selling drugs without licence’

The Maharashtra government has taken action against e-commerce giants Snapdeal, Amazon and Flipkart for selling medicines without valid licences, the Lok Sabha was informed on Friday.

“The Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra, has taken regulatory action against Snapdeal, Amazon and Flipkart, which were found to be selling or distributing medicines to consumers through internet without valid sales bill and requisite licenses,” said Health Minister JP Nadda.

He said in accordance with provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, the sale of drugs in the country is regulated by state licencing authorities. “Accordingly, drugs specified in Schedule H, H1 or Schedule X cannot be sold except on and in accordance with the prescription of a registered medical practitioner. The supply of prescribed drugs can be effected only by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist from a licenced premises,” Nadda said.

He said a number of representations have been received from chemists and druggist associations against online sale of prescription drugs. “Similarly, a number of representations have also been received to permit such sales,” Nadda said.

According to reports, the Maharashtra FDA had conducted raids at the corporate office of Snapdeal for selling prescription drugs in April 2015.

Nadda said there is no proposal of the government to amend the Drug and Cosmetic Act to enable easy facilitation of business in the drug e-commerce sector. 

“No such proposal is under consideration of the government and online sale of drugs can be permitted only after appropriate mechanism is established to address the risks and concerns related to such sales,” he added.

The Minister said sex ratio in the country has shown a growth from 933 females in 2001 to 943 in 2011 for every 1,000 males, the government said on Friday.