Chemists Demand End to Misused Covid-Era Medicine Delivery Rule

Mangaluru: The South Kanara District Chemists and Druggists Association (SKDCDA) has raised alarm over the misuse of Covid-era provisions allowing doorstep delivery of medicines. This practice, originally intended to assist during pandemic restrictions, is now being exploited by illegal online platforms, endangering public health.

SKDCDA president Arun Kumar Shetty and secretary Dr. AK Jamal, along with the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), have formally urged the central government to revoke the GSR 220 (E) notification issued in March 2020 under Section 26B of the Drugs Act. They highlighted that while the notification enabled licensed chemists to deliver medicines under specific conditions, unregulated platforms are now selling drugs without valid prescriptions.

“This misuse is leading to self-medication, drug abuse, and antimicrobial resistance,” warned Shetty. “These platforms are prioritising profits over patient safety, undermining the intent of the notification.”

The organisations argued that with the pandemic’s emergency phase over, the provision is no longer necessary. Licensed chemists had adhered to the rules, ensuring prescription-based delivery, but illegal platforms bypass these safeguards, posing a serious threat.

SKDCDA and AIOCD have written to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare three times, demanding the rule’s repeal. They warned that failure to act will force them to organize protests to protect public health and the integrity of the pharmaceutical industry.

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