A STUDY ON THE GENESIS, STRUCTURE AND PROSPECTS OF LEGAL E- PHARMACIES IN INDIA.

Revikumar K G; Sijo Joy Edapully; Veena. R

Volume : VII, Issue : VIII, August - 2018

A STUDY ON THE GENESIS, STRUCTURE AND PROSPECTS OF LEGAL E- PHARMACIES IN INDIA.

Revikumar K G, Sijo Joy Edapully, Veena. R

Abstract :

By the end of 2018, legitimate E–pharmacies facilitating the buying and selling of medicines and other pharmaceutical items with the support of e–commerce activities using computers and smart phones will be established in India. In April 2018, the Health Ministry of Government of India came out with the draft proposal to amend the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945 by inserting Part VIB to it after Rule 67H and before Part VII under the heading “Sale of drugs by e–pharmacy” which will legalise the e–pharmacies in the country. The new Rule defines e–pharmacy as a ‘business of distribution or sell, stock, exhibit or offer for sale of drugs through web portal or any other electronic media’ and prescription as ‘ instruction from a registered medical practitioner to a pharmacist , written by hand or in electronic mode duly signed to dispense a drug and the quantity to a patient. E–pharmacies are not permitted to dispense narcotic and psychotropic substances, tranquilizers and Schedule X drugs. E–pharmacies have to comply with the provisions of the Information Technology Act 2000 and the Rules there under. E–pharmacies are expected to open newer avenues for qualified pharmacists with insights for innovations in India. Pharmacists with Pharm.D, M.Pharm and other qualifications can take up e–pharmacies as a professional challenge in India.