(ECNS) -- A pilot program launched in 2013 for online drug retailing on third-party platforms in Hebei, Shanghai and Guangdong came to an end on August 1, the People's Daily Overseas Edition reported Monday, citing a notice by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA).
As a result, drug sales on popular online shopping sites such as Tmall and Yhd.com have all been suspended, the paper said.
On the webpage of a drug product on both Tmall and Yhd.com, a button appeared asking the consumer to "submit needs" by clicking on the previous "buy" button. On Yhd.com, the page also carried a warning, reminding the consumer to consult a physician about its usage.
According to the paper, the third-party platforms will forward consumer demands to pharmaceutical businesses to facilitate direct trading between the two sides.
However, drug stores that have obtained a license for online sales can continue selling medicines to consumers via the Internet, meaning the move has little impact on the pharmaceutical industry's self-owned e-commerce platforms.
A Beijing resident surnamed Huo said drugs sold online were cheaper and that consumers also had more options. However, fake products are rampant online, and improper use of drugs without instructions from physicians could also pose health risks, he said.
The CFDA has also exercised caution on the matter. Since the end of last year, it has only issued 526 licenses to qualified online sellers of medicines. On the other hand, a ban remains on online sales of prescription drugs.
