The Assam Government has decided to strengthen monitoring of online medicine sales and wholesale pharmaceutical businesses to curb irregularities and ensure strict compliance with drug regulations.
The decision was taken at a review meeting chaired by Health and Family Welfare Minister Ashok Singhal, where officials discussed measures to improve transparency, accountability and regulatory enforcement in the state’s pharmaceutical sector.
During the meeting, the Health Department directed officials to conduct a comprehensive review of online medicine platforms operating in Assam to verify whether they are functioning in accordance with existing laws and licensing norms. A detailed report on their operations has been sought, and authorities have been asked to initiate legal action against platforms found violating statutory provisions or operating without valid authorisation.
The Drug Control Department has also been instructed to investigate allegations that some entities holding wholesale drug licences are illegally carrying out retail sales. Officials will scrutinise purchase and sales records from the past year on a district-wise basis. Strict legal action will be taken if any violation is established.
The government further decided to review wholesale licences of firms that have remained inactive for a prolonged period or have allegedly breached regulatory norms. Officials will also closely examine documents relating to the source and procurement of medicines. Any suspicious transactions or failure to furnish required records will be brought under immediate investigation.
To improve enforcement, the meeting emphasised strengthening digital coordination and information-sharing among districts. Concerned departments have been directed to submit detailed reports within a stipulated timeframe for early implementation of the decisions.
Addressing the meeting, Minister Ashok Singhal said ensuring the availability of safe, quality and legally sourced medicines remains a priority for the state government. He asserted that illegal drug trade, regulatory violations and irregularities in the sale and distribution of medicines would not be tolerated, while directing authorities to intensify inspections and surveillance across the state.
