Posted By :  Admin1

The Karnataka Pharma Retailers and Distributors Organization (KPRDO) has called on the Karnataka Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take strict action against Swiggy Instamart and PharmEasy for their rapid medicine delivery service. KPRDO claims this partnership violates the Drugs and Cosmetic Act by bypassing necessary licensing and safety measures. The organization warns that such practices could lead to the sale of substandard or expired drugs, endangering public health.

According to KPRDO President C Jayaram, only qualified pharmacists are authorized to dispense medicines after thoroughly reviewing prescriptions. He emphasized that Swiggy Instamart and PharmEasy are treating drug delivery like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), neglecting crucial safety protocols. Jayaram urged the FDA to penalize these companies for violating Chapter IV, Section 18(c) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, which mandates proper licensing for drug sales.

KPRDO expressed concerns that the focus on speed over safety could result in the distribution of counterfeit or expired medications. The organization also demanded that the FDA collaborate with the Information Technology Ministry to curb misleading advertisements promoting online medicine sales across digital and print media platforms.

Highlighting the risks to public health, KPRDO stressed the need for stricter enforcement against illegal e-pharmacies. They called for decisive measures to ensure that drug dispensing in Karnataka adheres to legal and safety standards, thereby setting a national benchmark for pharmaceutical practices.