Vijayawada: Chemists and pharmacists across Andhra Pradesh have shut down their pharmacies as part of a one-day nationwide bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The protest demands the withdrawal of the GSR 220(E) notification issued during the Covid-19 period and the e-pharmacy related GSR 817(E) notification. They also seek the introduction of a 'Level Playing Field' policy to curb unfair deep discounting of medicines by corporate firms.
Protest Rally in Vijayawada
In Vijayawada, hundreds of chemists and druggists under the aegis of the NTR District Chemists and Druggists Association shut down their pharmacies and held a protest rally at Nakkal Road. The demonstrators demanded regulation of e-pharmacy platforms, an end to predatory pricing, and the withdrawal of emergency notifications.
Concerns Over Illegal E-Pharmacies
Speaking on the occasion, association members alleged that illegal e-pharmacies have become a major public health concern due to several serious risks. They highlighted the repeated use of the same prescription and the acceptance of fake or unverified prescriptions, which enable misuse of medicines. These platforms may provide easy access to antibiotics and habit-forming drugs without proper scrutiny, often without any direct interaction between pharmacists and patients.
The members further stated that weak regulatory mechanisms across states worsen the situation, increasing the risk of counterfeit, substandard, or improperly stored medicines reaching consumers. The unchecked sale of Schedule H and H1 medicines and the irrational use of antibiotics are also contributing to the growing threat of Antimicrobial Resistance, posing a significant challenge to public health and patient safety.
