The South Chemists & Distributors Association (SCDA) has formally requested the Central and Uttar Pradesh state drug regulators to take strict action against Pill Up, an e-pharmacy now operating from Noida. The association alleges that the company is violating key provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and endangering public health.

Key highlights

SCDA flags pill up’s illegal operations

• Pill Up, previously shut down in Delhi, has resumed operations from Noida.

• SCDA claims this violates existing drug sale laws and calls for immediate closure in public interest.

Repacking of medicines called dangerous

• SCDA alleges Pill Up repacks medicines without original packaging or valid licensing.

• Such practices, the association warns, could lead to contamination, misbranding, or spurious drug circulation.

Legal precedent and pending cases

• SCDA cites a 2018 Delhi High Court injunction against online sale of medicines.

• It has also challenged PharmEasy’s IPO and actions promoting e-pharmacies via Aarogya Setu during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Demand for regulatory action

• A representation has been submitted to DCGI Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi and UP FDA’s Deputy Commissioner Shashi Mohan Gupta.

• SCDA asserts that Pill Up's operations are “illegal on two counts”—online medicine sale and unauthorized repacking.

As regulatory uncertainty continues over the legality of online pharmacies in India, SCDA’s action against Pill Up signals ongoing resistance from traditional pharmacy bodies. The call for enforcement may add fresh pressure on the Centre to finalize long-pending regulations around e-pharmacy operations in the country.