Kannur: Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has issued a show cause notice to online pharmacies, sites and others selling drugs via electronic modes. 

The move comes in the backdrop of the union health ministry's decision to bring forth a set of rules to check drug sales through online platforms. The decision to issue the notice was taken following a meeting called by the health department in New Delhi.

As per the notice, drug sales through online platforms violates the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. Drug controllers in every state are issued a copy of the order. 

According to the health department, around 20 business establishments sell drugs online. However, the health department is worried about the absence of rules or guidelines to regulate such sales.  

Further, the health department has received several complaints over the sale of medicines via online pharmacies without doctor’s prescription or supervised by pharmacists. The sale of drugs via online platform is not permitted as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945. Further, concerns are raised over the illegal sale of prescribed drugs that are harmful to health and can be misused.