The central government is reconsidering whether doorstep delivery of medicines permitted during the Covid-19 lockdown should continue post-pandemic. Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel confirmed that the Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is reviewing the March 2020 notification. The decision follows pressure from the All-India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which raised concerns about misuse and unregulated prescription drug sales. While the DTAB has discussed the matter, no final decision has been made public yet.

Key highlights

Covid-era delivery policy under review

• March 26, 2020 notification allowed doorstep medicine delivery during lockdown.

• Policy was aimed at reducing public movement and ensuring medicine access.

• AIOCD claims misuse and increased unauthorised sales due to continued permission.

Chemists call for withdrawal of approval

• Retailers argue the rule should be rolled back since the pandemic is over.

• DTAB took up the matter in a meeting held on April 24, 2025.

• Current status of policy remains unclear as DTAB has not issued an update.

Government response submitted in Parliament

• Health Minister Anupriya Patel addressed the issue in a written Rajya Sabha reply.

• The matter is under active review by India’s apex drug advisory body.

• Industry stakeholders await final clarification on the future of e-deliveries.

As India navigates a post-Covid regulatory landscape, the fate of doorstep medicine delivery remains uncertain. While it enabled convenience and access during lockdowns, ongoing concerns about compliance and misuse are pushing authorities toward stricter checks. Retailers and online pharmacies alike will be closely watching the DTAB’s final stance.