The Tamil Nadu Chemists and Druggists Association (TNCDA) has launched a dual-level offensive against the emerging trend of 10-minute medicine delivery, petitioning both the Union minister for health and family welfare and the Chief Minister of the state.
Representing approximately 40,000 retailers and wholesalers, the association warns that the ‘quick commerce’ model for pharmaceuticals poses a grave threat to public health. By taking these concerns to both state and national leaders, the TNCDA wants to stop a trend where companies focus more on fast delivery to make money than on the strict safety rules needed for selling life-saving medicines.
The association’s primary concern centres on patient safety, specifically the high risk of incorrect medication, dosage errors, and dangerous allergic reactions resulting from hasty dispensing. The trade body argues that a 10-minute window is insufficient for a pharmacist to conduct a professional review of a prescription. They emphasize that bypassing the consultation process removes a critical safety layer, leaving patients without expert guidance on how to use their medications safely and effectively.
Logistical integrity is another major point of contention highlighted in the TNCDA’s recent memorandums. The association flags potential compromises in the storage and handling of medicines during high-speed transit, noting that many drugs require specific temperature and environmental controls that may be ignored in a rush. Besides, they raised the alarm regarding the inability of rapid-delivery platforms to verify the genuineness of a Registered Medical Practitioner’s (RMP) prescription in such a short timeframe, which could facilitate the misuse of regulated substances.
These recent petitions build upon a long-standing history of resistance by the Tamil Nadu chemists association, and the national body, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). Previously, these associations have submitted numerous memorandums to government regulators and law enforcement, including the Prime Minister of India, to expose the dangers of illegally operating online pharmacies. These earlier efforts focused on how unregulated digital platforms often lack the accountability of traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies, which serve as the frontline gatekeepers of the nation’s drug supply chain.
The TNCDA’s current campaign also addresses the broader legal implications of unregulated digital sales, including complex liability issues that arise when adverse events or medication misuse occur through an automated platform. The association is calling for immediate and strict regulatory oversight to ensure that any entity involved in medicine delivery complies fully with existing drug dispensing laws. They argue that the current ‘quick commerce’ surge is an extension of the illegal e-pharmacy problem they have been fighting for years.
Beyond legislative action, the TNCDA is urging the government to launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens on the hidden risks of rushed medication. They believe that the public must understand that medicines are not ordinary consumer goods and that the speed of delivery should never come at the cost of clinical accuracy. The association advocates for a collaborative framework where health authorities and professional pharmacists work together to find a balance between modern convenience and traditional safety standards.
The unified stance of the Tamil Nadu chemists association, supported by the AIOCD and shared with the Director of Drugs Control, serves as a final plea to prioritize patient health over corporate speed. Led by president S A Ramesh and general secretary G Ashok, the association remains firm in its demand that the government protect the integrity of the pharmaceutical profession. They maintain that the only way to ensure a safe healthcare ecosystem is to uphold the legal requirement for a registered pharmacist’s oversight in every transaction. |