Traditional pharmacies have been knocking at the doors of the government for some time now as they face intense competition from e-pharmacies. Their profit margins and market share have faced pressure in recent years from e-pharmacies that often offer medicines at cheaper prices. ____________________________. The AIOCD has repeatedly accused e-pharmacies of a wide range of malpractices, including selling fake drugs and enabling self-medication. The organisation has been citing these issues to seek a ban on the sale of drugs online.

While this has improved the accessibility of drugs to a wider population, the concern of traditional pharmacists too is easy to understand.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed the setting up of an e-portal to track and regulate the sale of drugs across the retail chain.

The risks associated with e-pharmacies, especially when it comes to the dispensation of prescription drugs without the necessary checks, cannot be taken lightly.

However, the Ministry’s plan on regulating e-pharmacies is a rather outdated one.

But perhaps the only thing clear from the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD)’s demands is its intention to protect the business interests of traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies.

Traditional pharmacies have been knocking at the doors of the governme

1.	Traditional pharmacies have been knocking at the doors of the government for some time now as they face intense competition from e-pharmacies. Their profit margins and market share have faced pressure in recent years from e-pharmacies that often offer medicines at cheaper prices. ____________________________. The AIOCD has repeatedly accused e-pharmacies of a wide range of malpractices, including selling fake drugs and enabling self-medication. The organisation has been citing these issues to seek a ban on the sale of drugs online.
A.	While this has improved the accessibility of drugs to a wider population, the concern of traditional pharmacists too is easy to understand.
B.	The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare proposed the setting up of an e-portal to track and regulate the sale of drugs across the retail chain.
C.	The risks associated with e-pharmacies, especially when it comes to the dispensation of prescription drugs without the necessary checks, cannot be taken lightly.
D.	However, the Ministry’s plan on regulating e-pharmacies is a rather outdated one.
E.	But perhaps the only thing clear from the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD)’s demands is its intention to protect the business interests of traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
Answer» F.

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