India’s Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is preparing to review whether the practice of delivering medicines directly to people’s homes should continue. This decision follows strong objections raised by the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which represents approximately 1.24 million chemists and distributors across the country.
Background of the Practice:
In March 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the government issued a notification allowing doorstep delivery of medicines under certain conditions. This initiative was aimed at ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines during lockdowns. Pharmacies were allowed to deliver prescription drugs directly to consumers’ homes, provided the prescriptions were stamped and validated. The move was vital for patients with chronic conditions and mobility issues, as it ensured they could access necessary medicines despite restrictions.
AIOCD’s Objections:
The AIOCD has urged the government to revoke this March 2020 notification, arguing that it was a temporary measure to address the emergency situation created by the pandemic and is no longer necessary. According to the AIOCD, the online platforms taking advantage of this provision, such as Swiggy, are misusing it for profit, sometimes dispensing medicines without proper validated prescriptions.
In a letter to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, the AIOCD expressed concerns that dispensing medicines without validated prescriptions could prioritize profit over patient welfare. The organization has called for the immediate withdrawal of the notification, citing growing misuse and the potential risks it poses to patient safety.
Growing Concerns Over Misuse:
The AIOCD specifically pointed out that online platforms like Swiggy were misusing the provision intended for essential medicines during the pandemic. The letter from AIOCD raised alarms about the safety and authenticity of medicines being delivered through these platforms, as there were concerns over lack of oversight and potential risks to consumers.
Government Response and DTAB’s Role:
The Union Health Ministry has referred the matter to the DTAB, asking the body to examine the issue and offer its recommendations. A decision on the future of the doorstep delivery of medicines is expected soon, following deliberations at the board’s upcoming meeting.
Rapid Growth of Home Medicine Delivery:
The doorstep medicine delivery sector saw rapid growth, especially during the Covid-19 lockdown. Platforms like Netmeds, Tata 1MG, and Apollo Pharmacy became key players in delivering both prescription and over-the-counter medicines directly to consumers’ homes. This system, which initially addressed urgent needs, has now become a staple for many, allowing consumers to avoid long queues at pharmacies and receive medications promptly.
A noteworthy player in this evolving market is PhonePe’s hyperlocal commerce platform, Pincode, which recently introduced 24-hour medicine delivery in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune. This service promises delivery within 10 minutes from the nearest participating pharmacy, a significant step toward faster and more accessible medicine delivery.
Concerns and Future Outlook:
While the Covid-19 emergency no longer exists, the home delivery of medicines continues to be a popular service, driven by convenience and accessibility. However, regulatory oversight is now a critical issue. The AIOCD’s request to revoke the notification reflects concerns about misuse, but it also raises questions about how to balance convenience with safety in the evolving landscape of healthcare delivery.
The upcoming DTAB meeting will likely decide whether this practice continues or if stricter regulations will be introduced to ensure that it serves the public interest without compromising patient safety.
