Government proposes ban on social media drug sales

The government on Monday presented before the National Assembly a draft on the pharmacy law, which stated that the online sales of drugs and drug ingredients must be done on e-commerce platforms, applications or websites.

It also stated that the sales of drugs and drug materials are not allowed on social media and "other forms of e-business" not stated in the law.

The Social Committee agreed to the proposal, but also requested that specific drugs allowed to be sold online be listed, as well as conditions to do business on e-commerce platforms for the sake of fairness with traditional drug sales.

The committee said there are two flows of opinions regarding the online sales of drugs. One wants only non-prescription drugs, unrestricted drugs and drugs that can be used without the supervision of doctors be allowed for online sales, while the other stream of opinion wants the Minister of Health to make the criteria themselves to ensure flexibility.