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Mint
2 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Ghost prescriptions, dark stores: Why quick delivery of medicine has become a headache
Quick-commerce medicine delivery is heating up, with Zepto recently joining Blinkit and Swiggy Instamart in the race. But as the space gets crowded, concerns are mounting over prescription-only medicines without proper checks. Industry body All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has called for regulatory scrutiny and tighter oversight. 'Medicines are not groceries that should be delivered within 10 minutes. These are highly regulated and need utmost care while handling — something that can't always be assured in a dark-store model," said Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary, AIOCD. On 13 August, the association wrote to the home affairs ministry stating that easy access through online quick-commerce delivery has led to a sharp rise in misuse, including of Schedule H drugs such as Pregabalin, used for neuropathic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. It alleged that medicines are being issued online without genuine prescription verification, raising concerns about 'ghost prescriptions" — fake or fabricated prescriptions used to procure restricted drugs. The same day, Zepto announced its entry into pharma, offering medicine delivery within 10 minutes across metropolitan cities, according to its press release. Prior to this, Swiggy had entered the segment in August 2024, launching its 'Instamart' grocery service—which included medicines in select markets—through a partnership with PharmEasy that operated as a shop-in-shop inside dark stores in Bengaluru. Blinkit last month introduced 10-minute delivery across its dark-store network and later piloted prescription-medicine delivery (including antibiotics, eye drops, antihistamines, and skin treatments) in Bengaluru. Blinkit has entered deeper into healthcare by piloting a 10-minute ambulance service in Gurugram. Queries sent to all three companies on 13 August did not elicit a response until press time. 'If platforms commit to only e-prescriptions issued and signed by registered doctors, run an automatic check against the National Medical Register, and keep a pharmacist in the loop before dispatch, leakage can be driven close to zero—even with fast delivery," said Nilaya Varma, co-founder at Primus Partners, a management consultancy firm in Delhi. Prescription verification still murky Prescription verification for Schedule H/H1/X drugs on quick-commerce is a legal mandate, not a best-efforts standard, said Aditya Patni, Partner at Khaitan & Co. Schedule H includes prescription-only drugs like antibiotics and anti-epileptics, dispensed by pharmacists without mandatory record-keeping. Schedule H1 adds stricter control—requiring prescriptions and three years of records for abuse-prone drugs. Schedule X is the most stringent, mandating duplicate prescriptions ((two copies of the doctor's prescription), special licences, and secure storage for narcotics and psychotropics. India still lacks a clear e-pharmacy rulebook; the draft regulations were never finalised. Platforms operate under older statutes like the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Pharmacy Act, 1948, which never envisaged online prescription verification or instant delivery. Draft e-pharmacy rules, 2018—requiring licensed premises, pharmacist verification, and prescription uploads—remain unnotified. "This has left a regulatory vacuum, with enforcement fragmented among state drug inspectors," said Rishabh Gandhi, founder, Rishabh Gandhi and Advocate. Many platforms leverage the 'marketplace' model — which merely connects registered pharmacies to customers — to distance themselves from liability, even while facilitating the sale of prescription-only medicines, said Patni. 'Since they act as 'intermediaries' or 'aggregators' under the Information Technology Act, 2000, they do not require a licence for sale of drugs as the actual dispensation happens through physical pharmacies which are already registered," he said, adding that quick-commerce models — which rely on dark stores — may blur this line, leading to unlicensed storage and distribution. Moreover, 'JPEG prescriptions'—photos of paper scripts—are easy to forge, reuse, or edit, said Varma. 'The last mile is often not a licensed premise with a pharmacist on record, even though the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules mandate pharmacist supervision for retail supply. In addition, catalogue mis-tags (H/H1/X drugs flagged as regular SKUs) can let restricted medicines slip past controls," he added. Regulatory concerns circle established players too. Patni notes that in February 2023, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issued show-cause notices to 20 e-pharmacies—including Tata 1mg, Amazon, Flipkart, and Netmeds—for allegedly selling drugs without valid licenses or prescriptions. These entities claimed intermediary status. The Delhi high court had imposed an interim ban on unlicensed e-pharmacy operations in December 2018, and in March 2024 specifically directed the health ministry to finalise a policy on online sale of drugs. Licensed pharmacies can still sell online, but with the March 2024 deadline missed, the e-pharmacy legal framework remains unclear and enforcement patchy. Pregabalin predicament Meanwhile, Pregabalin has been a flashpoint recently—its rising misuse triggered the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) to recommend moving it from Schedule H to H1, highlighting gaps in verification and enforcement. Pregabalin can only be sold on a doctor's prescription with record-keeping and labelling compliance. Some states such as Punjab have even tightened controls on high-dose formulations and bulk sales to curb misuse and diversion. In April 2025, the DTAB recommended reclassifying pregabalin and its formulations under Schedule H1, but the change awaits a gazette notification to take legal effect. While regulators and chemist bodies flag the broader system risk, all Schedule H, H1, and X drugs—including antibiotics, opioids, and psychotropics—can be misused if prescription verification is weak, enabling diversion and unsafe consumption. "Traditional pharmacies sometimes dispense medications without strict prescription checks, especially if they know the patient personally. A physical pharmacy isn't going anywhere, so such practices are easier to trace, but with e-pharmacies, it's much harder to monitor or track, which is why the scrutiny often feels uneven," said Dr. Chitra Raju, a general practitioner in Delhi. That said, quick commerce and e-pharmacy can improve healthcare for chronic patients and expand access, particularly for the elderly and in high-traffic urban areas, said Varma of Primus Partners. 'E-pharmacies already serve 20,000+ pincodes, and quick-commerce pharmacy networks have penetration access to 100+ cities. For an ageing India—10.5% of the population is 60+, projected to reach 20.8% by 2050—reliable refills and doorstep delivery can reduce drop-offs for long-term therapies," he added. India's e-pharmacy market has around 50 players and was valued at $0.5 billion in 2019 (~2–3% of total pharmacy sales), projected to grow to $4.5 billion by 2025 at a CAGR of 44%. Major players like PharmEasy, Tata 1mg, Netmeds, and Medlife combine medicine delivery with services such as doctor consultations and lab tests, according to India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF) under the commerce ministry.
New Indian Express
30-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Chemist body calls for scrutiny of e-pharmacy ops amid fake drug busts
NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing crackdowns on counterfeit drugs in the national capital, the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has voiced concerns over the unchecked operations of online pharmacy platforms. The association criticised the State Licensing Authority for its continued inaction in regulating and monitoring the functioning of these e-pharmacies. 'The online pharmacy platforms continue to sell medicines in violation of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, posing a serious threat to public health. Our association had formally highlighted the matter to the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare about the continued inaction by State Licensing Authorities (SLAs), despite repeated complaints being forwarded to them by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO). While her reply in the Rajya Sabha on July 22 mentioned that complaints regarding unauthorised sale of medicines are referred to SLAs, no visible or effective action has been taken by the SLA on the ground,' the association said on Tuesday. In the absence of final regulation, e-pharmacy platforms continue to sell habit-forming and psychotropic drugs without prescription, schedule H, H1, and X medicines in violation of the law, untraceable, diverted, and unlicensed stock, and medicines without any quality assurance or physical verification, it added. Notably, the drug control department had earlier flagged the dubious role of online platforms in the sale of counterfeit cancer drugs whose network it busted last month. Rajiv Singhal, general secretary of the AIOCD, said the e-pharmacies are running without any checks and balances. 'Recently, a large swathe of counterfeit medicine was busted in Delhi, where the roles of these e-pharmacies also came under the scanner as distribution networks. They don't document the sale of Schedule H, H1, and X medicine, which are habit-forming, which is again against the law. So either the government should take action or force them to shut operations,' he said.
Time of India
27-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
AIOCD demands strict action against illegal e-pharmacies; raises alarm over inaction by SLAs
The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists ( AIOCD ), representing over 12.40 lakh chemists across India, has expressed grave concern over the illegal and unregulated operation of online pharmacy platforms, which allegedly continue to sell medicines in violation of the Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, posing a serious threat to public health . Accoridng to a statement from AIOCD, JS Shinde, President, Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary, informed that in a formal communication addressed to the Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, AIOCD has highlighted the continued inaction by State Licensing Authorities (SLAs), despite repeated complaints being forwarded to them by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation ( CDSCO ). Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Degree PGDM Operations Management MCA Data Science CXO healthcare MBA Technology Management Data Science Project Management Healthcare Cybersecurity Finance Data Analytics Leadership Design Thinking Others Artificial Intelligence others Digital Marketing Product Management Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Data-Driven Decision-Making Strategic Leadership and Transformation Global Business Acumen Comprehensive Business Expertise Duration: 2 Years University of Western Australia UWA Global MBA Starts on Jun 28, 2024 Get Details While the Minister's reply in the Rajya Sabha on 22nd July 2025 stated that complaints regarding unauthorised sale of medicines are referred to SLAs, however, AIOCD has informed that no visible or effective action has been taken by any SLA across the country. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo To escalate this matter further, a high-level delegation of AIOCD met with the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), Dr Rajeev Raghuvanshi, on July 21, and urged him to take the following urgent actions: Immediate crackdown on all illegal e-pharmacies operating without any valid license or oversight, including the Quick Commerce Players; Withdrawal of GSR 220(E), which was issued during the COVID-19 epidemic but is now being misused by these platforms to justify unlawful activities, and Withdrawal of GSR 817(E), the draft regulation issued in August 2018, which has remained in draft form for over eight years, enabling misuse due to lack of legal clarity, according to the statement. AIOCD has repeatedly submitted that GSR 817(E) is outdated and has failed to address the ground realities of digital drug distribution. Live Events JS Shinde, President, Rajiv Singhal, General Secretary, AIOCD, highlighted that the loosely drafted definition of 'Manufacturer' is the root cause of the issue and emphasised the need for a holistic and comprehensive approach involving all concerned departments, the statement said. AIOCD also expressed its readiness to provide suitable amendments to the Act, Rules, and relevant orders. AIOCD reiterated that medicines are not ordinary consumer goods, and their sale and distribution must not be left to automated platforms or unauthorized logistics chains. Continued inaction will lead to a public health disaster of irreversible scale. According to the statement, AIOCD demanded immediate withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E) to prevent further legal misuse; Centralized enforcement action by CDSCO against all illegal online pharmacies; Action of all illegal E pharmacies on government directives must be initiated immediately by State SLA's . AIOCD appeals to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to take urgent action in the interest of safeguarding public health and restoring trust in India's pharmaceutical regulatory system, the statement added.
Hindustan Times
22-07-2025
- Hindustan Times
Local trains to ramp up security cover
MUMBAI: A huge upgrade to the existing security system on Mumbai's suburban train system is in the offing. The train network ferries 6.5 million to 7 million commuters daily. Mumbai... 02 May 2012.... News... Trains on all the tracks are halted due to the technical problem between Churchgate and Marine Lines station causing half an hour delay for local trains on Western Railway in the evening on Wednesday... HT photo by Mahendra Parikh (Hindustan Times) Western Railway (WR) is to install 12,446 Video Surveillance System (VSS) CCTVs in 1,615 coaches in Mumbai, the specifications of which have been finalised. Central Railway (CR) too is at the fag end of finalising VSS for its trains. The ladies coaches and railway stations are already covered with a network of CCTVs. The VSS will cover all the coaches of AC and non-AC local trains apart from the shuttle trains that operate on the 123-km Churchgate-Dahanu suburban corridor. It will also monitor the motormen cab and train managers. Central Railway too is to install VSS inside its local trains running on the CSMT-Karjat/ Kasara/ Panvel corridors. The details are being finalised by the relevant departments. Sources in WR said that tenders for supply, installation, testing and commissioning of VSS in coaches had been called. The authorities will open the tender on August 18. 'We will finalise the contractor, after which it will probably take around eight to nine months for the work to be completed,' said a senior WR official. 'As part of this holistic security system, we will install 12,446 cameras at a cost of ₹97.30 crore, which will cover all the coaches of local and shuttle trains. We are continuously enhancing security through other steps as well at railway stations and inside local and long-distance trains.' The railway authorities, in a press note today, stated that following the July 11, 2006 Mumbai suburban serial train blasts and other subsequent threats, they had significantly overhauled their security strategy over the years. Among the steps taken were the formation of Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) at major stations, the deployment of Bomb Detection & Disposal Squads (BDDS), increased RPF-GRP joint patrolling in sensitive areas, enhanced intelligence coordination with state and central agencies, a focus on anti-sabotage checks before peak hours and random baggage screening at high-risk stations and trains. 'There is a need to increase the number of CCTVs inside local trains,' said Rajiv Singhal, member of the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee, an interactive platform between railway authorities and commuters. 'At present there are beggars, transgenders and other elements who travel ticketless in local trains. The authorities should also reprimand the railway police personnel at stations, who are more busy looking at their mobile phones than keeping a watchful eye on trains and stations.' Singhal raised these points last week with the WR authorities. However, WR officials said that adequate measures had been undertaken to improve security. 'As of now, 3,048 CCTVs have been installed across suburban stations,' said the senior official. 'They have also been installed in 305 of the 451 ladies coaches in 146 local trains. There are 470 CCTVs with Face Recognition System (FRS) too. At the stations, high definition IP-based CCTVs have been installed that relay real-time video feeds to station control rooms.' Central railway authorities, while not providing exact details, said that all suburban stations had been brought under CCTV coverage, with 24/7 monitoring. 'Presently, about 4,154 CCTVs are working at suburban stations, and the demand for additional cameras is under process,' said a CR official. The Railway Protection Force dog squads also work round the clock, while there are door frame metal detectors and hand-held metal detectors at entry points of stations. However, the authorities agreed that these were not very effective during peak hours.
Hindustan Times
13-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Bandra station crackdown: ₹500 fine for spitting, littering as officials tighten cleanliness norms
MUMBAI: As the Bandra railway station plays host to the colourful Station Mahotsav, launched on July 5, railway authorities have decided to clamp down on a far less festive issue—spitting and littering. A recent inspection by senior Western Railway (WR) officials has revived the long-standing demand for stricter enforcement of cleanliness norms at this 19th-century Grade I heritage site. Mumbai, India - July 12, 2025: The railways will be levying fines on people who litter or spit inside rail premises at Bandra in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday, July 12, 2025. (Photo by Satish Bate/ Hindustan Times) (Hindustan Times) The move comes after officials, during a routine visit amid the ongoing celebrations, spotted fresh paan stains marring the freshly scrubbed walls of the building, which dates back to 1888 in Victorian Era. Despite Bandra station being decked up with cultural programmes, exhibitions and artistic competitions, its visual charm was undercut by tell-tale signs of civic apathy. 'We found red stains on walls even though contractors had been asked to ensure the building remained spotless during the festival,' a senior WR official told this newspaper. 'We are now introducing a dedicated receipt book for ticket checkers to issue ₹500 fines to those caught spitting or littering. The Railway Protection Force (RPF) has also been asked to take action against offenders.' The revised fine of ₹500, up from ₹200 earlier, was officially notified in February. According to WR officials, between April 2024 and January 2025, over 2,300 cases of spitting and littering were registered, amounting to nearly ₹6 lakh in fines collected. The Commercial Department is compiling further data to assess the behavioural trends and improve enforcement. The decision to revive enforcement was formally taken at the Divisional Railway Users Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting held on July 10, where passenger representatives raised concerns about hygiene, beggars, loiterers, and train punctuality. 'We urged railway officials to penalise those who deface public spaces. WR also informed us that additional CCTVs are being installed inside trains to deter unwanted elements,' said Rajiv Singhal, DRUCC member. Sources confirmed that Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Pankaj Singh had personally visited Bandra station and expressed displeasure over the state of maintenance. He reportedly pulled up the cleaning contractors for shabby upkeep of platforms and toilets. One of the recurring complaints, officials said, was that insufficient cleaning manpower and careless littering by commuters were making the job harder. 'To cut costs, contractors are deploying fewer cleaning staff, which is affecting station hygiene. Corners of platforms and track ends are often neglected. We will now focus on catching people who litter, to help maintain higher standards of cleanliness,' a senior official said. Bandra Station Mahotsav: Blending heritage with celebration Launched on July 5, the Bandra Station Mahotsav has turned the bustling transit hub into a venue of cultural celebration. The festival kicked off with a vibrant performance by a troupe of African drummers and includes a series of competitions and exhibitions designed to spotlight the station's legacy and community connections. As part of the festivities: A commemorative postal cover will be released on July 27 at the closing ceremony. Cultural performances by local artists, vlog-making contests, and art competitions have been organised. The 'Purani Yaadein' contest invites citizens to share photos, videos, and voice clips of their cherished memories connected to the station. Creative submissions under Art & Craft include drawings, paintings, digital artwork, and clay models inspired by the station's heritage. The final date for submissions across events is July 20, while the closing ceremony on July 27 will also mark the official inauguration of the postal cover. A legacy worth preserving Declared a Grade I heritage structure under the Maharashtra Government's 1995 heritage regulations, Bandra Station is a rare architectural blend of Victorian Gothic and Indian styles. Originally opened in 1864, the current heritage station building was constructed in 1888. Its gabled roofs, pointed arches and ornate detailing continue to charm thousands of commuters who pass through its portals daily.
