On Thursday, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) directed e-commerce entities to sell specified Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani drugs only after customers upload valid medical prescriptions from the registered doctors on the platforms. The requirement is applicable for drugs specified under Schedule E (1) of the Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945. Schedule E lists out poisonous substances in the Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani system of medicine that is needed to be taken under medical supervision.

The spokesperson from the CCPA stated that e-commerce platforms have been advised that the sale or facilitating the sale of such drugs should be done only after a valid prescription provided by a registered Ayurveda, Siddha, or Unani practitioner, respectively, is uploaded by the user on the platform. Also, the word ‘Caution’ should be printed in both English and Hindi languages on the label of the packaging of such medicines specified in Schedule E (1).

To safeguard consumer rights, CCPA has issued directives to all marketplace e-commerce entities to ensure that the details of sellers as mandated by Sub-rule (5) of rule 6 of the Consumer Protection Rule, 2020, should be displayed on the platform. Also, the name and contact number of the grievance officer should be displayed to the user on the platform.