Khargone Chemists Join Nationwide Strike Against Online Medicine Sales
In a unique protest on Wednesday, chemists in Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, used horse carts, e-rickshaws, and electric bikes to demonstrate against the online sale of medicines. The protest was part of a nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists.
Under the banner of the chemists association, traders marched to the collectorate on traditional horse carts (tangas) and submitted a memorandum demanding a ban on online medicine trade and stricter regulation of e-pharmacy platforms. The protesters highlighted that the use of non-fuel transport was also intended to support the Prime Minister's appeal for fuel conservation.
Around 600 medical shop owners across Khargone district participated in the one-day strike. Most medicine stores in the district remained shut throughout the day, though pharmacies attached to hospitals and nursing homes continued emergency services.
Similarly, in Barwani district, approximately 400 medical stores remained closed as part of the nationwide strike. The protests underscore the growing concern among traditional chemists about the rise of online pharmacies, which they claim operate without proper regulation and pose risks to patient safety.
The chemists argue that online platforms often sell medicines without valid prescriptions, leading to potential misuse and health hazards. They have called for a complete ban on e-pharmacies or, at the very least, stringent oversight to ensure compliance with existing laws.
This strike reflects a broader tension between traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies and digital health startups, as the Indian government considers new regulations for the e-pharmacy sector.
