KATHMANDU, April 5: The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has barred selling medicinal products using online platforms such as social media.

The government’s drug regulatory body in a public notice on Sunday cautioned the traders not to involve in such practices after it was found that an increasing number of companies were selling drugs by using various mobile apps and online portals. 

Santosh KC, Information officer of the DDA, said the notice was issued after a large number of traders were found selling their medicinal products in the name of ‘online pharmacy.’ The drug regulator has come up with the move to check possible anomalies in the drug businesses as there is absence of related laws to track such businesses in the country.

The online pharmacies are also found to have been advertising their medicinal products to attract consumers. Currently, the law has prohibited drugs manufacturers and traders from making publicity of their medicinal products.  

According to the DDA, there is no provision to register online trading of medicinal products. The regulator has warned of taking stern action against those involved in such businesses.

There are 112 domestic drug manufacturers, 150 importers and 29,058 registered pharmacies operating in the country. The DDA has given approval to these companies to sell 11,812 types of drugs.  

 
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