Srinagar, May 21: The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has urged the Drug Controller General of India and the Competition Commission of India to intervene in what it described as the “unchecked expansion” of online pharmacies, alleging that the current system poses risks to public health and undermines traditional retail chemists.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, KTMF leadership led by Chairman Abrar Khan and President Hilal Mandu expressed concern over what they termed a “regulatory vacuum” in the e-pharmacy sector.
The federation claimed that there was inadequate transparency regarding the sale, transportation and delivery of medicines through online channels and argued that existing mechanisms were insufficient to ensure the safety, quality and efficacy of drugs supplied through e-pharmacies.
According to the statement, unlike conventional registered pharmacies, online platforms allegedly lack verifiable storage and monitoring systems throughout the supply chain, creating risks related to counterfeit medicines, misuse of prescriptions and distribution of habit-forming substances.
The federation also questioned the role of the Competition Commission of India, alleging that deep discounting practices by large corporate-backed online pharmacy platforms were adversely affecting traditional chemists and disrupting established retail networks that have served local communities for decades.
KTMF demanded an immediate halt to the issuance of new online pharmacy licences until stricter safeguards and monitoring mechanisms are put in place.
The traders’ body simultaneously voiced concern over recent inspection drives involving local pharmacies in Jammu and Kashmir. It objected to the involvement of police personnel during inspections conducted in connection with anti-drug enforcement measures.
The federation said inspections and compliance-related actions should be handled exclusively by the Drug Control Department and urged authorities to avoid what it described as “unnecessary police interference” in the functioning of law-abiding retail chemists.
KTMF maintained that retail pharmacists continue to play an important role in public healthcare delivery and called for regulatory practices that protect both consumer safety and the interests of legitimate traders.
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