Chemists Association Raises Alarm Over Online Pharmacy Expansion in Gujarat

The Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association (FGSCDA), representing 35,000 chemists in Gujarat, has expressed serious concerns about the rapid expansion of quick commerce platforms and online pharmacies into pharmaceutical distribution. Supported by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), the FGSCDA has written to India’s Drug Controller General (DCGI) highlighting potential health risks and regulatory violations associated with this trend. The association argues that fast-paced online drug deliveries could compromise quality and safety standards due to improper storage and handling, potentially leading to increased anti-microbial resistance (AMR). They also point to legal uncertainties surrounding online pharmacy operations as a significant risk factor. The FGSCDA has called for a government investigation, emphasizing that traditional pharmacies adhere to strict compliance measures to safeguard public health.