Chemists in Punjab have been facing several challenges regarding Online National Drug Licensing System (ONDLS) being implemented in the state. The platform aimed at streamlining the drug licensing is having some technical issues.
The Punjab Chemist Association led by Surinder Duggal had taken up the issue with Kamalpreet Kaur Brar, Secretary, Department of Health and Family Welfare, during the drug advisory committee meeting in Chandigarh on Thursday.
They highlighted widespread resentment among pharmacy owners, who alleged that the newly introduced ONDLS portal has made the process of obtaining and renewing drug licences cumbersome and time-consuming. Chemists claimed that the online portal was formally imposed without adequately addressing technical glitches and operational concerns raised by stakeholders.
Duggal alleged that while earlier the renewal of drug licences used to be completed within four to five days, the same process is now taking nearly two to three months after the introduction of the new portal.
Pharmacy owners also pointed to confusion regarding the registration and renewal process for godowns, alleging that no clear guidelines had been issued on whether separate fresh applications or renewal procedures were required.
They further complained that data uploaded on the portal frequently bounced back or failed to save properly, forcing applicants to restart the process repeatedly.
Raising objections over the implementation of the system, chemists questioned when states such as Maharashtra and Gujarat had not adopted the portal, why Punjab and Haryana were being compelled to implement it despite the department already possessing all necessary records and data of licence holders.
The association alleged that there was no fixed timeline from the department for approving or clearing applications submitted through the portal. They further expressed concern over the sharp increase in renewal charges.
Chemist associations demanded immediate intervention from the Punjab Government and the Health Department to simplify the system, resolve technical glitches and ensure time-bound clearance of applications.
