NEW DELHI, Sept. 8 -- The Centre may allow pharmacies to continue delivering certain medicines to patients at their doorstep through offline and online channels after a sub-committee appointed by India's top drug expert panel said withdrawing the provision could affect people in rural and remote areas, elderly people and those suffering from chronic diseases, according to two government officials and two government documents reviewed by Mint.

The association also raised concerns over its continued use by digital platforms, including Swiggy, for doorstep medicine deliveries. It said the notification was being used by online platforms despite the requirement for medicines to be sold against valid prescriptions. Rule 65 lays down conditions...