The Union Health Ministry is considering shutting down digital pharmacies due to some concerns like misuse of data, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and predatory pricing of drugs. In the latest development in this regard, FICCI has written a letter to the Union Health Ministry on February 28, 2023, raising concerns over the issue.
The role of e-pharmacies was important while dealing with Corona
According to the letter, FICCI has an e-Pharmacy Working Group consisting of several representatives from the industry. It has been continuously addressing the challenges faced by the sector through various representations, conferences and knowledge sessions. FICCI to ensure high standards of operations "e-Pharmacy Code of Conduct" Has helped the industry to develop. FICCI had published a white paper titled ‘E-Pharmacy’s Desh Seva in COVID-19 Frontline Fighting Odds’. It highlights the important role of pharmacies during the pandemic.
India needs a future ready digital health system
According to the letter, “India needs a future-ready digital health system. Its need has been felt during the Covid-19 pandemic. E-pharmacies provide a strong digital foundation with complete tracking and traceability of medicines to achieve affordable and effective universal health coverage. It is a vital component in the pharmaceutical supply chain. By improving access and compliance of medicines, e-pharmacies have proved themselves to be essential services. As per the letter our Honorable Prime Minister himself had recognized and appreciated the dedication of e-pharmacy in enabling doorstep access to medicines in the challenging times of Covid
E-pharmacy as a strong foundation for improving access to affordable medicines
In a letter to the Union Health Ministry, FICCI has mentioned the benefits of e-pharmacies in rural areas of the country as well. FICCI wrote in the letter, “Digital health is a key area of focus for India during its presidency of the G-20 this year. Digital mediums can play an important role in improving healthcare affordability and access to medicines as part of the government’s flagship initiatives. E-pharmacies serve as a strong foundation for improving access to affordable medicines. They are especially useful in rural areas with limited supply chains and frequent stock-outs. Government can significantly increase the access of common people to pharmaceuticals through e-pharmacies by expanding internet and broadband services in rural areas in line with Digital India programme.
FICCI said- there is no basis for apprehension that e-pharmacies will reduce jobs across the country
In the letter, FICCI said, there is no basis for any apprehension that e-pharmacies will result in loss of jobs across the country. In fact, after the introduction of e-pharmacy in the nation, more and more businesses have been created in a variety of new areas including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, internet of things, data analysis, etc. Apart from this, e-pharmacies have also provided an option for tangential employment to thousands of persons. FICCI also mentioned in its letter that there is no valid reason why e-pharmacies should not operate in the Indian market. FICCI has also made a detailed representation highlighting their concerns and has also requested a meeting with the officials of the Union Health Ministry. Explain that earlier on February 28, 2023, CDSCO had sent show cause notices to the top 20 e-pharmacies.
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