State wants guidelines on online sale of medicines

Health Minister U T Khader on Tuesday said State government will not allow online sale of medicine without prescription in the State in the interest of public health.

Speaking to reporters, he said the State is not against online sale of medicine. “But, there is a scope for its misuse. The Centre should frame comprehensive guidelines to regulate the online sale. The State will soon write to the Centre in this regard,” he added.

Steps should be taken to prevent the sale of narcotic drugs on the pretext of selling medicines online. The State will ask the Centre to look into the pros and cons of the move to allow online sale. Though controlling online sale of medicine is the responsibility of the Centre, the State government will not hesitate to take action against those who misuse the facility, he said.

Besides, representatives of Chemists and Druggists Association of Karnataka, who are participating in the all-India bandh called against the Centre's move to allow online sale of medicines, met the minister and urged him not to allow online sale and impose ban on such websites in the State. There is no provision to sell drugs online under Drugs Control Act, 1940. Banned medicines are being supplied to people without prescription, the representatives said. Khader urged the association to observe bandh without causing inconvenience to people.

Buy medicines here
Health Minister U T Khader said medical stores located at private hospitals, nursing homes and corporate hospitals will remain open on Wednesday. Directions have been issued to the Health department officials to ensure availability of medicine. People can access information on the availability of medicine on www.drugs.kar.nic.in or call Assistant Drug Controller on 9449197852, 080-22264760, he added.