Online pharmacies regulation pushed

MANILA, Philippines — The eBotika Act filed by Iloilo 4th District Rep. Ferjenel Biron aims to regulate the establishment and operation of online pharmacies, or “eBotikas,” in the Philippines.

“With the proliferation of e-commerce, the number of reputable pharmacies offering online ordering and delivery of drugs and medicines is dwarfed by those that operate illegally and inappropriately, putting the public health at risk for unsafe and counterfeit drugs and medicines,” Biron said.

He noted that “online ordering of various drugs and medicines has been a savior during the COVID-19 pandemic” for those with comorbidities and senior citizens.

The Food and Drug Administration prohibited online ordering services if they do not have an existing FDA-licensed pharmacy with a physical address, according to Biron.

Biron hopes stiffer penalties will serve as deterrent to the unauthorized online selling of drugs.

“Our lack of dedicated legislation in the country gave rise to the ambiguity in the regulation of online pharmacy services, posing increased perils on public health,” he added.