Removal of e-pharma advts from Aarogya Setu app welcomed

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, May 30

The North India Chemists and Druggists Association on Saturday welcomed the government decision to withdraw advertisements of e-pharmaceutical companies from government-run Aarogya Setu mobile app.

Chemists all over the country including the Punjab Chemists’ Association affiliated to the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists had strongly opposed the promotion of private e-pharma firms on a mobile app promoted by the government.

It pleaded that a website www.aarogyasetumitr.in, linked to the official mobile application Aarogya Setu in ‘illegal, arbitrary and discriminatory’ manner, promotes and act as a marketing tool for e-pharmacies only.

Chemists associations from all over the country had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that it was not mentioned on the website that these medicines could be procured from local chemists. This was misleading and gives an impression that medicines used in the treatment of Covid-19 in India were available only through e-pharmacies. They had alleged that several e-pharmacies were operating illegally and in violation of provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. A number of petitions were pending in the court against operating of these pharmacies already.

Surinder Duggal, president, North India Chemists and Druggists Association, said the Central government had dropped e-pharmacies advertisements from the app and this was informed by the government late yesterday evening.

He said that we appreciate the government decision following the concern raised by the chemists all over the country.