The Persistent Paradox: Why We're Still Debating Online Drug Sales
It seems some things never truly change, even as the world around us hurtles forward. I recently came across news highlighting that chemists are once again seeking a ban on the quick commerce sale of prescription drugs, a sentiment echoed by articles on economictimes.indiatimes.com. This immediate reaction, while understandable from a certain perspective, brings me back to a conversation I initiated many years ago.
It's striking to reflect on how far back these discussions go. As early as December 2018, in my blog post titled "What else is illegal to sell online?," and even earlier in November 2016, in "Online Sale of Medicines?" which referenced "Health Care through Mobile ?," I pointed out the glaring disconnect between rapidly advancing technology and our outdated legal frameworks. Specifically, I highlighted how India's Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940, a law nearly eight decades old at the time, remained the yardstick for regulating e-pharmacies, despite obvious technological shifts and evolving consumer needs.
Back then, there was already an expert committee recognizing that online sales contravened existing law, yet simultaneously, they recommended amendments to various acts to enable it. I noted the growing trend of online shopping and the potential for e-pharmacies to lower healthcare costs and improve accessibility, a point resonated by recent research detailing consumer preferences for convenience, cost-effectiveness, and wider availability from online pharmacies A qualitative exploration of consumers’ views and experiences toward online pharmacies. Yet, even then, patient security, the risk of counterfeit drugs, and unsupervised consumption were flagged as critical concerns – concerns that persist today with quick commerce.
Indeed, I had even anticipated the necessity of a comprehensive and adaptive regulatory framework capable of evolving with technology, ensuring both accessibility and paramount patient safety. The current re-emergence of this debate, specifically concerning 'quick commerce' platforms, adds another layer of complexity. These platforms, designed for ultra-fast delivery, bring new questions about the adequacy of verification processes, cold chain maintenance for sensitive medications, and the potential for impulse purchasing without proper medical consultation.
The call for a ban, therefore, is not merely a knee-jerk reaction from traditional chemists concerned about competition. It often stems from genuine apprehensions regarding public health. They emphasize the critical role of pharmacists in patient counseling, identifying potential drug interactions, and ensuring the legitimacy of prescriptions – functions that are harder to replicate effectively in a rapid online delivery model without robust digital safeguards.
However, we cannot ignore the undeniable benefits that online pharmacies, and by extension, quick commerce drug delivery, offer. For many, especially in remote areas or those with mobility issues, these services represent a lifeline, providing access to essential medicines that might otherwise be out of reach. The potential for cost savings through reduced overheads and competitive pricing is also a significant advantage for consumers.
The core of the paradox remains: how do we harness technological advancement for the public good – enhancing convenience and accessibility – while simultaneously upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance? A blanket ban offers a simplistic, regressive solution that ignores the needs of a modern populace and the inevitable march of progress. Instead, the focus should be on crafting intelligent regulations that leverage technology itself to mitigate risks. This includes implementing advanced AI-driven verification systems for prescriptions, utilizing blockchain for transparent supply chain tracking to combat counterfeits, and developing secure digital consultation platforms. The conversation needs to shift from 'if' to 'how' – how can we integrate quick commerce safely and effectively into our healthcare ecosystem, ensuring that patient well-being remains at the absolute forefront, while also allowing innovation to thrive? The answer lies in constructive dialogue, collaborative policy-making between healthcare stakeholders, technologists, and regulators, and a commitment to continuous adaptation.
Regards,
[Hemen Parekh]
Any questions? Feel free to ask my Virtual Avatar at hemenparekh.ai
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