AIOCD strongly oppose the entry of Uber in medicine delivery in collaboration with MedLife, an E- Pharmacy which are still illegal according to law of our country. All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists, having 8.50 lakhs Members are working day and night in this crucial time for making drugs available to our citizens, amid risky Pandemic Corona outbreak.
Uber and Medlife, an e-health platform, are collaborating to provide residents of five cities access to prescription and other over-the-counter medicines, as the India stays under lockdown until May 3 to contain the coronavirus. Uber will use its network of driver partners to support Medlife in delivering medicines safely at doorsteps in Kolkata, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Lucknow and Pune.
AIOCD President J S Shinde informed that our members tireless continue to work and have ensured uninterrupted supply of MEDICINES to needy patients throughout country. Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to our Members through our President, to guide general Public about the basic tips to avoid infections of Corona as Chemist is first & direct contact with 125 Cr. of population.
AIOCD General Secretary Rajiv Singhal told that Chemist of India have proven their metal by serving public amid all challenges without resting or closing their shops despite all adversities, including problems from the state police and maintaining physical distance giving all possible message/information to the public in this crucial & challenging situation. In spite of all this their members felt that online players are taking undue advantage of this situation under cover of home delivery.
Totally illegal online Company like Medlife reported tie up with Uber for last mile delivery in some locations which has created unrest in our members. Govt, has to intervene & put an end to such activities under cover of Pandemic Corona Virus outbreak.
AIOCD said that they are already providing home delivery as per Govt. Notification dated 26-03-2020 to provide medicine to the public in this crucial period.
AIOCD fear a sudden negative reaction by trade members against such tie ups which may derail supply chain of medicines in present critical situation.
AIOCD has already send a memorandum to Heath Minister, Pharma Minister, Health Secretary, Pharma Secretary, Commerce Secretary and other in which they have demanded, total ban on these illegal activities & even on all entities engaged in online sale of medicne immediately and respect the Pharma trade for the efforts of 8.50 lac Chemists of the country in this crucial situation.
