Digital Pharmacy: Digital pharmacy i.e. online sale of medicines has seen a boom in the past but now it is under threat. The central government is worried about the danger of misuse of data and arbitrary prices from digital pharmacy and is considering shutting it down. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has expressed concern about this. FICCI has also written a letter to the Health Ministry regarding this.
FICCI has written to the Center on February 28 that “The FICCI e-Pharmacy Working Group, consisting of industry leaders, is continuously addressing the challenges faced in this area through various representations, conferences. Is. Has also helped the industry in developing the ‘e-Pharmacy Model Code’, to ensure high standards of operation."
Need for Digital Health System- FICCI
It further states, the Kovid epidemic has shown that India needs to prepare a digital health system for the future. E-pharmacy, with complete tracking of medicines, lays a strong foundation for affordable and effective healthcare. When they were allowed to work during the pandemic, e-pharmacy proved to be an essential service. The Prime Minister himself recognized and appreciated the contribution of e-pharmacy in enabling access to medicines during the Covid challenge.
DGCI had sent notice
The Drug Controller General of India had sent notices to 20 e-pharmacy companies on February 10, asking them to answer why action should not be taken against them. In this, giving two days time, it was said that if the reply does not come during this time, then it will be assumed that you have nothing to say and necessary action will be taken.
Advantages of digital pharmacy in villages
Expressing concern over DGCI’s notice, FICCI has also listed the benefits of e-pharmacy in rural areas. The letter states that digital health is a major area of ​​focus for India during its presidency of the G-20 this year. E-pharmacy acts as a strong foundation for access to affordable medicines. Especially in rural areas, where the supply chain is limited and medicines often go out of stock. By expanding internet and broadband services in rural areas in line with the Digital India programme, access to e-pharmacy pharmaceuticals can be increased significantly.
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