Sub-committee to study online pharma sale invites comments

Move follows Snapdeal's online sale of prescription drugs that drew the ire of the FDA in Maharashtra

A sub-committee, constituted by the health ministry to examine the issue of online sale of medicines has invited comments from various stakeholders, including public, companies, associations and trade bodies. Leading e-commerce player Snapdeal had launched sale of prescription drugs online early this year.

However, in May, the Maharashtra's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Snapdeal chief executive Kunal Bahl and the company's directors for violation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

Comments need to be sent to Harshadeep Kamble, Commissioner at the Food and Drugs Administration by September 28, said a notice from the Office of Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI). Kamble heads the sub-committee constituted by Drugs Consultative Committee, a statutory body under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940.

The sub-committee has to look into the provisions of the Act, examine the practices being followed in the developed countries, and evaluate the risks and concerns of online sale and its impact on public health.