India's highest drug advisory body, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), is set to examine whether the doorstep delivery of drugs — authorised during the Covid-19 crisis — ought to be extended across the country amid growing concerns about abuse.

Key Highlights:

AIOCD Expects Forceful Objections

• The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which has 1.24 million chemists as its members, has requested the government to withdraw the 2020 notification permitting doorstep delivery.

• AIOCD asserts that the facility is being misused by online platforms and is no longer required after the pandemic.

Allegations Against Online Platforms
In a complaint to Union Health Minister JP Nadda, AIOCD charged that players like Swiggy and others are putting profits ahead of patient safety by home-delivering medicines without effective prescription checks.

Matter Referred to DTAB

• The Union Health Ministry has sent the matter to DTAB for consideration.

• A decision is likely after board-level deliberations in the upcoming meeting.

Background on Home Delivery of Medicines

• Doorstep delivery was allowed in 2020 to provide uninterrupted access during Covid-19 lockdowns.

• Large platforms such as Netmeds, Tata 1MG, Medlife, Apollo Pharmacy, and others grew manifold during this time.

Recent Developments
PhonePe's Pincode app has recently introduced 24x7 online medicine delivery in Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Pune with promises of delivery within 10 minutes, connecting directly with local chemists.Quotes from Officials or Leaders
AIOCD Letter to Health Minister JP Nadda:
"Doorstep medicine delivery continues to be practiced, and it seems to be putting profit ahead of patient care and needs to be reviewed urgently."As India enters the post-pandemic era, regulatory authorities are reviewing emergency steps taken during Covid-19. The DTAB's decision soon could have far-reaching implications on the thriving online medicine delivery industry, weighing convenience for consumers against patient safety and regulatory requirements.