Popular online retailer Snapdeal on Thursday saw its Goregaon office raided by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) over charges that the company had been selling prescription drugs through its online website.
Dr Harshdeep Kamble, FDA commissioner, said, "We have received complaints about the sale of prescription drugs through Snapdeal. We verified the information on the website. On Thursday, our officials raided their Goregaon office."
The agency had received complaints about prescription drugs such as Ascoril cough syrup and Vigora tablets being sold online.
While Snapdeal has decided to remove the drug listings from its website, the FDA has sealed its Goregaon office and also raided its Bhiwandi premises.
The FDA has also asked Snapdeal to explain its actions.
FDA has sought from the company the details of persons involved in the sale and purchase of the drugs, as well as chalans, invoices and payment details.
"The company has agreed to de-list the drugs from its website. As per Section 18 (c) of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, only a licensed retailer can sell prescription drugs. Such drugs can't be sold online, as this will encourage self-medication that can cause harm to patients," said Dr Kamble.
On Tuesday, dna had reported how the local chemists' association, acting with FDA, had clamped down on the sale of prescription drugs by medical representatives. According to FDA officials, Thursday's raid was also carried out with the help of information passed on by pharmacists from Raigad district.
ST Patil, FDA's Joint Commissioner (Drugs), said, "A pharmacist had noticed the sale of prescription drugs online. He then placed an order for the drugs, which were delivered to his place. Along with the drugs and other details, he approached us. We then decided to conduct the raid."
The FDA has also ordered its officials to check whether prescription drugs are being sold by other online stores such as Flipkart and Amazon. "Internet-based sale of drugs could be harmful. This is a new avenue, and we need to be careful so that people are not harmed by self-medication," said Dr Kamble.
