The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has expressed significant alarm regarding the increasing misuse of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in generating counterfeit medical prescriptions. This practice is facilitating the unlawful online sale of various pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, psychotropic medications, opioids, as well as drugs classified under Schedule H and X.

AIOCD President J S Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal noted that recent media investigations, including findings from a well-known newspaper, indicated that some online platforms are accepting AI-generated prescriptions that contain falsified hospital information.

AIOCD pointed out that illegitimate e-pharmacies are exploiting Government Notifications GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E) to evade protective measures outlined in the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. The organisation emphasized the difference between offline and online chemists in terms of patient verification; while offline chemists typically have effective human oversight, many online platforms lack this, making it challenging to identify AI-generated counterfeit prescriptions.

AIOCD Calls for Government Intervention

In light of these concerning developments, AIOCD has urged the government to take swift action by repealing GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), shutting down unauthorized e-pharmacies, and declaring AI-generated prescriptions invalid throughout the country. This intervention is seen as vital for protecting public health. Earlier in the previous month, AIOCD had appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for immediate measures against the unauthorized operation of e-pharmacies.

The organization has raised alarms about the uncontrolled distribution of antibiotics without legitimate prescriptions, stressing that this practice contributes to the increasing problem of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), which poses a serious danger to public health. Referring to a recent address by the

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ segment, where he highlighted the necessity of curbing the unrestricted sales of antibiotics, AIOCD cited findings from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) that point to a national health crisis. They warned that commonly prescribed antibiotics for conditions such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections are becoming less effective due to reckless usage and self-medication practices.

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