Dr Varun Gupta, Convenor, Digital Health Platforms (DHP), and VP at 1mg, informs that digital health is a sector with high level of investment activity and Indian start-ups have a chance to lead the world with little clarity from the regulatory bodies, in an interview with Usha Sharma
Give us a brief insight into Digital Health Platforms and its ongoing activities
Digital Health Platforms (DHP) is a not-for-profit, professional organisation with the primary objective to make the best use of technology for improving access to affordable and quality healthcare to the farthest corner of the country. It is an industry association of companies that have forayed into many new and aligned businesses in the digital health space including e-pharmacy, telemedicine, diagnostics, health information and much more. DHP members comprise well-qualified professionals with a strong pedigree and globally acclaimed track record, aimed to streamline the healthcare sector of the country using technology. We have been persistently working on various critical sections of digital health including e-pharmacy. We are also actively involved in promoting self-governance norms, defining and encouraging best practices for the industry, engaging with the policymakers and civil society for issues pertinent to digital health, research and capacity building. DHP is also actively involved in building capacity to promote the sector’s agenda of bringing accessibility to quality, affordable and authentic healthcare for the citizens.
The recent pandemic has clearly shown that both physical and e-pharmacy infrastructure need to co-exist and are important to improve access to quality and affordable medicines
As an organisation, what efforts are you taking to make the e-pharmacy sector acknowledged by the government and safeguard its functioning?
We believe that powered by technology, digital healthcare can immensely help improve access, authenticity, affordability and accountability in the Indian healthcare landscape. We are much inspired and encouraged by the key work that the government is doing in the areas such as National Digital Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat, Digital India, Start-up India, and enhancing the ease of doing business.
We have been building the e-pharmacy sector block by block, and today, it has braved the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. It gives us great pride and hope in saying that the e-pharmacies proved to be the backbone in the battle against this pandemic, and we have continuously focused on making life-saving drugs available in every nook and corner of our country. For e-pharmacies in India, it has been non-stop operations on-ground since the COVID-19. They have been at the forefront providing lifesaving medicines and all healthcare needs at doorsteps. The recent pandemic has clearly shown that both physical and e-pharmacy infrastructure need to co-exist and are important to improve access to quality and affordable medicines. Realising the importance, the Union Home Ministry, vide order number 403/2020-D, dated March 24, 2020, has specifically mentioned pharma as essential goods, and delivery of medicines (pharma goods) through e-commerce as an essential service. It is evident that the technological advancements that e-pharmacies bring to the retail pharmacy sector are clearly the way forward for the development and progress of the sector.
The process of bringing out e-pharmacy rules was initiated by DCGI in 2015 – an extended process of multi stakeholder consultation was conducted over the last five years, with the active engagement of all stakeholders. This issue was discussed multiple times at different meetings of DTAB and DCC since 2015. DTAB (Drugs Technical Advisory Board) has approved the draft rules on June 11, 2019. We have prepared and submitted representations to the Government after detailed consultations with several stakeholders. We welcome the move made by the Government of India to bring e-pharmacy Rules with an aim to harmonise existing laws/guidelines like IT Act, D&C Act and Rules and PN-2, 2018. This is similar to other sectors like FSSAI Guidelines for E-Commerce Food Operators (FBO Guidelines). However, it is important to note that e-pharmacy is well covered under existing laws. There is no violation of any existing act and rules in the current e-pharmacy model, however, progressive regulatory clarity will help...
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