A group of chemists in Gi has raised serious concerns about online medicine delivery apps and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in generating fake prescriptions. The chemists claim that some e-pharmacy platforms are using loopholes in the system to sell medicines without proper checks.
This issue came to light when the Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association (FGSCDA) spoke about it. According to the association, AI tools can be used to create fake medical prescriptions, making it easier for people to order medicines online without actually visiting a doctor. They further added that this is dangerous because anyone with a smartphone can potentially misuse the system.
The group of chemists also compared this issue to concerns around AI-generated fake images and said fake prescriptions can also be created in a similar way. They believe online pharmacy platforms are not properly verifying prescriptions before delivering medicines.
One big concern is that medicines meant for serious health conditions, including anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, and other prescription medicines, could be delivered without enough checks. This could lead to misuse, addiction, or health risks for patients.
The chemists also said that some online pharmacies may be supplying outdated medicines or delivering prescription drugs without properly confirming the patient’s medical details.
The association has written a letter to government authorities dealing with health and medical issues, including Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, and Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, asking them to take strict action on the issue.
The chemists questioned whether online pharmacies are actually checking prescriptions before dispatching medicines. They further said that regulators have been discussing this issue for years, but loopholes still remain.
Because of these concerns, the association and chemists are demanding stricter rules and stronger regulations for online pharmacy platforms to make sure medicines are sold safely and legally.
To highlight the importance of this issue, the chemists’ association staged a protest today. Chemist stores across India were shut for a day, stating that this is not a small issue, as it affects both public safety and traditional pharmacies.
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