
Online pharmacies, chemists at odds over home delivery of medicines as Centre mulls stopping the practice
New Delhi: The Centre's move to consider stopping doorstep delivery of medicines has stirred up a hornet's nest, with an association of chemists and druggists strongly supporting the move, and e-pharmacy and e-commerce platforms opposing it. Meanwhile, doctors have jumped into the debate, advocating for continuing doorstep delivery, but with adequate checks and balances.
At a meeting on 24 April, the drugs technical advisory board (DTAB), India's top expert panel on drugs, had recommended that a sub-committee be set up to examine the possible withdrawal of a March 2020, pandemic-era notification that legally permitted such deliveries, according to the minutes of the meeting that
Mint
has reviewed, and according to three government officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Also Read |
Pharmacy colleges being rated after teaching scandal
The Centre's move followed a representation by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AICOD), which opposed home delivery of medicines on the back of misuse of prescriptions. The move has the potential to disrupt the businesses of e-pharmacies such as Tata 1mg, Amazon, Flipkart, NetMeds, MediBuddy, Practo, and Apollo Pharmacy, even quick commerce apps such as Swiggy that deliver medicines home.
While spokespersons for these companies declined to comment, the founder of a leading online pharmacy business told
Mint
on condition of anonymity that the government should first take a survey of consumers on doorstep delivery of medicines.
Also Read |
US generics, domestic market to drive healthy growth for pharma companies in Q4
'Even at the local chemists' shops, approximately 20% of the medicines are sold walk-in and 80% is home delivery business," this executive said. 'If there is a problem in the online drug delivery practice, then the government should fix the loopholes, make the system more secure and transparent," this person added.
'The withdrawal of the 2020 notification could lead to more government regulation but it is unlikely there will be a ban on e-pharmacies," said an executive at an e-commerce platform that delivers medicines,
requesting anonymity, adding that many patients, especially elderly ones, use WhatsApp to send the prescription to their local pharmacy and make the payment via UPI after the delivery.
Also Read |
India seeks details of pharma exports to Pakistan ahead of likely total ban
The executive emphasised that such a ban would set even the offline pharmacy lobby back because of changed customer behaviour and use of digitised systems and databases.
The AICOD, on its part, said the notification has resulted in medicines being delivered without validated prescriptions. 'Such unchecked practice of distributing medicines poses a significant threat to patient health," said AICOD general secretary Rajiv Singhal. 'Who is going to check how many times your prescription is being circulated on social media channels like WhatsApp? Even controlled medicines are being delivered to the patients."
'About 95% of the delivery of medicine is done by online pharmacy firms. As per Drugs Rule, 1945, medicine is a commodity which should be delivered in the presence of the pharmacists," Singhal said.
Meanwhile, medical practitioners said there is no harm in supplying medicines as long as strong checks and balances are built in.
'I am not sure of the logic behind the proposal for withdrawal of the notification," said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist at the World Health Organization (WHO). 'Convenience for the patient is important. There's no denying that people nowadays have multiple chronic diseases and home delivery is certainly a boon, especially for the elderly and disabled. But, at the same time, we have to make sure the system is not being abused."
'The DTAB panel has recommended to set up a sub-committee on this matter, which will submit its report shortly for final decision," the first official cited above said.
'Withdrawal of the March 2020 notification is being explored due to the reason that drugs which are prohibited are being delivered," said the second official cited above. A third official added that the notification should be withdrawn due to concerns related to unregulated practice of sale of medicines.
The development assumes significance for India's domestic pharmaceuticals market, which amounts to $23.5-billion, according to the department of pharmaceuticals. The business of e-pharmacies add up to around $4.5 billion, according to data from Invest India.
Swaminathan said it is important to keep a check on the class of drugs and volume being delivered. 'In the US, the doctor emails or phones in their prescription to the pharmacists, and they deliver the medicine or the patient can pick it up. But there is a record of every sale and purchase. However, this is not the case in India."
She added that India has an opportunity to create such checks now because the country is very well connected digitally.
'This will also improve our prescription records, which we can then analyze," she said. 'So, digital systems are a good way to do that because traceability is possible. Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) can be leveraged for this. We must also do away with the over-the-counter sale of regulated medicines and misuse of antibiotics. We have the regulations and rules already in place, but we need to find good ways of implementing them."
Dr Mohsin Wali, senior consultant in the department of medicine at New Delhi's Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that home delivery is a useful service for a population the size of India's, but chemists' associations have problems because they are losing business.
He also pointed to loopholes. 'The harm is that if there is a sleep medicine prescribed to a patient, s/he gets it from five different sources on the same day; there is no central monitoring registry to know that the patient has purchased 50 sleep drugs in one go and from whom," said Dr Wali.
He added that while there should be separate regulations for e-pharmacies so that procurement of harmful medicine is curtailed, stopping door-to-door delivery of medicine altogether may not work. 'If a patient is sick and cannot go to the local pharmacy store, then we can ask the pharmacy store to deliver the medicine," Wali said.
Ranjani Raghavan in Mumbai contributed to the story.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
a day ago
- News18
False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients
Cancer misinformation: When it comes to cancer care, misinformation isn't just misleading—it can be deadly. In the age of digital hyperconnectivity, a cancer diagnosis often triggers not just emotional and physical upheaval, but also a frantic Google search. And therein lies the danger. As cancer patients and their families grapple with fear and uncertainty, the internet can seem like a lifeline—but it is often a misleading one. From turmeric touted as a miracle cure to alkaline diets replacing chemotherapy, medical misinformation has become a hidden epidemic compounding the already monumental challenge of cancer care. A Surge in Digital Misinformation 'Due to the prevalent use of smartphones and social media particularly WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube, numerous individuals in India depend on these channels for health information," says Dr Syed Ismail Nawab John, Clinical Lead & Senior Consultant, MGM Cancer Institute, Chennai. 'Regrettably, these platforms also serve as hotspots for inaccurate and unverified assertions related to cancer." From urban WhatsApp groups to rural YouTube channels in vernacular languages, misinformation spreads swiftly, often disguised in the language of natural healing and traditional remedies. While holistic wellness has its place, bypassing evidence-based medicine can be fatal. Dangerous Myths and Real-Life Consequences 'Many myths that circulate like 'you can cure cancer with an alkaline diet' or 'chemotherapy does more harm than good' are not just misleading but dangerous," warns Dr. Saravanan Periasamy, Senior Consultant, Surgical Oncology, SIMS Hospital, Chennai,. 'I have witnessed patients delay important treatment or withdraw therapy entirely because of something they read on a random blog or received via forwards. These choices can be life-threatening." Among the most harmful beliefs, says Dr. Nawab John, are claims like: Cow urine (gomutra) can cure cancer — No scientific backing exists for this, yet it remains alarmingly popular. Turmeric can replace chemotherapy — While turmeric has anti-inflammatory benefits, it is not a standalone cancer cure. Cancer is caused solely by sugar — Overconsumption of sugar is unhealthy, but it doesn't 'feed' cancer the way many believe. Natural remedies can completely treat cancer — Herbs may aid wellness, but they cannot substitute for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation. These myths have real-world consequences. 'Particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, patients postpone or abandon conventional treatments," says Dr. Nawab John. 'By the time they return, their disease has often progressed to a much more advanced stage, reducing survival chances drastically." bThe reasons for the belief in online myths are multi-layered. As Dr. Nawab John points out, 'Factors include fear of side effects from conventional treatments, low health literacy, deep-rooted cultural or religious beliefs in natural remedies, and a lack of access to reliable medical professionals." Additionally, the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis often makes patients and caregivers vulnerable to the allure of 'miracle cures." In many cases, people prefer comfort over confrontation—choosing friendly-sounding advice over complex, often painful treatment plans. How the Medical Community Can Respond Both doctors agree: the solution is not shaming but sensitization. 'Healthcare providers and caregivers must adopt a proactive, non-judgmental approach," says Dr. Nawab John. This includes: Advertisement Listening actively to understand a patient's fears and beliefs. Addressing myths with empathy and clear, simple facts. Providing credible sources, such as verified websites or multilingual educational materials. Encouraging second opinions from certified oncologists. Using community engagement—including videos, talks, and moderated WhatsApp groups—to enhance awareness. Dr. Periasamy concurs: 'The internet is not a substitute for a trained medical oncologist. Cancer treatment is complex and needs to be individualized. My advice to patients and caregivers is simple—trust science, not sensationalism. When in doubt, always ask your doctor." The Way Forward top videos View All The battle against cancer is hard enough without having to also combat misinformation. It's a tragic irony that in a world overflowing with data, the signal is so often drowned out by the noise. But as Dr. Nawab John rightly says, 'The answer lies in education, compassion, and the availability of reliable health information." Empowering patients with accurate, accessible knowledge could be the most powerful treatment of all. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 08, 2025, 08:03 IST News lifestyle » health-and-fitness False Hope, Real Harm: How Online Misinformation Endangers Cancer Patients


The Hindu
2 days ago
- The Hindu
WhatsApp number announced for food adulteration complaints in Tiruvarur
The Tiruvarur District Food Safety and Medicines Department has urged consumers to report complaints of food adulteration via a dedicated WhatsApp number. Participating in the World Food Safety Day conference organised by the Tamil Nadu Consumer Protection and Environment Research Centre in association with the Food Safety and Medicines Department and Consumer Confederation of India at a private Paramedical College in Tiruvarur on June 7, Food Safety Officer S. Anbazhagan said that the objective of the Food Safety Day was to create awareness about how to prevent spreading of disease through food habits. Pointing out that contaminated water, expired food products pose a threat to the health of children and senior citizen, the DFSO said complaints of adulteration and other health issues in food chain could be forwarded to the department through WhatApp number 9444042322, according to an official release.


Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
Employee resigns after boss insists he return to work with a broken leg, sparking fresh debate on toxic workplaces
A WhatsApp chat between a recently hired employee and his boss has triggered a fresh conversation on toxic work culture after it surfaced on Instagram. The post, shared by Ben Askins—who frequently documents toxic workplace practices—shows a manager repeatedly pressuring a new employee to return to work, even after the employee informed him of a leg fracture due to a bike accident. 'I can get you a chair,' boss tells hospitalised worker The conversation begins with the manager sending a polite message asking about the employee's whereabouts. The employee replies that he has broken his leg and is currently hospitalised. Instead of showing concern, the boss focuses on work needs and says, 'But I need you for the Friday shifts.' When the employee says he has been advised bed rest for a few days, the manager continues to insist. At one point, he remarks, 'Doctors are overly cautious,' and adds, 'Ideally, I need you in for the Friday shift, do you think you will make it? I can get you a chair.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Join new Free to Play WWII MMO War Thunder War Thunder Play Now Undo The employee responds that he will return only if his doctor allows it. However, the manager then resorts to guilt-tripping, pointing out that the employee has been with the company for just two weeks and is already requesting time off. That prompts the employee to reply, 'Then let me make it even easier for you. I quit.' Live Events You Might Also Like: 'No support, only shame': Young Bengaluru engineer who broke down during work call exposes the silent toll of toxic workplaces Social media backs employee's decision The post has gone viral, drawing strong reactions from users who have faced similar situations. Many applauded the employee for standing up for himself, while others shared their own workplace experiences. 'I absolutely believe this is real. Worked in a call centre where a woman with a broken ankle came in (forced to) and they turned a metal waste paper bin for her to put her foot on… she left after a few hours. The pain was so bad,' one user commented. Another person wrote, 'Literally happened to me after a car accident. He's like I'll get you a chair so you can sit.' A third user added, 'I had an employer offer me a chair so I could come back to work when I was off with tendonitis in my foot. When I got back to work, I asked for the chair I'd been offered, and they said, 'We don't really do that, can't you stand on one leg?'' Continued criticism of workplace insensitivity Some users expressed disbelief that such conversations still happen. One wrote, 'Honestly, after all this time Ben has been kindly sharing these messages, I am still like nope, this cannot be real! Unbelievable!' The incident has added to the ongoing debate about insensitive management practices and inadequate support for employee health and well-being, particularly in high-pressure work environments. Social media users are urging companies to prioritise humane policies and rethink how they treat workers during health emergencies.