Why it matters: The article highlights the issue of online pharmacies in the UK selling medication without proper approval or scrutiny. This practice has increased in frequency, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, due to eased restrictions for online prescribing.
What they are saying: The BBC investigation found that it was easy to purchase prescription-only pills from online pharmacies without the involvement of a general practitioner. The pharmacies relied solely on online questionnaires for prescription approvals. Some pharmacies even sent follow-up marketing emails promoting addictive painkillers.
The big picture: The problem of online pharmacies selling medication without proper checks is not limited to the UK but exists in other countries as well. Laws written vaguely allow individual pharmacies to interpret verification processes, facilitating the distribution of dangerous medications.
What to watch: Stricter regulations are needed to prevent more deaths and abuse of the online pharmacy system. The current system allows unscrupulous pill peddlers to distribute drugs without proper checks. Additionally, people are able to bypass pharmaceutical laws by ordering drugs from online marketplaces in countries with less regulation and oversight.
My take: The article highlights the concerning issue of online pharmacies operating without appropriate approvals and scrutiny. It is crucial to implement stricter regulations to protect individuals from accessing dangerous medications and prevent the abuse of the online pharmacy system.
