AGARTALA, August 30 (TIWN): In view of its harmful effects on public health and probable flourish of illicit activities the Tripura Chemists and Druggists Association have opposed the concept of e-pharmacy. The association is also scheduled to attend the All Indian Origin Chemists & Distributors (AIOCD) meeting to be held on September 13 taking up the issue.

The association said that government had formed a sub-committee on July 24 to allow several companies to sell medicines online, but this cannot be allowed as illicit activities may flourish.

The TCDA wants to warn consumers about the possible dangers of buying medicines over the Internet. Some websites sell prescription and over-the-counter drugs that may not be safe to use and could put people's health at risk.

A prescription issued by a doctor cannot be re-used randomly. There is a danger that scheduled drugs can be re-ordered and misused by the consumer.

The association also claimed that the Central government may be trying to work out a system for selling medication online, but chemists and druggists in the State have vehemently opposed the concept saying it would hit their businesses and create an avenue for illicit trade.