The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has announced a nationwide strike on May 20, with nearly 12.4 lakh chemists and pharmacists expected to participate. The association is protesting against what it calls regulatory loopholes that allow e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery apps to function without adequate oversight.
Background of the Protest
The protest centres around two government notifications — GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E) — which the association says have created a legal grey area for online pharmacies. Chemists have raised concerns about fake prescriptions, patient safety, predatory discounting and unfair competition from large corporate-backed platforms.
Key Demands of AIOCD
- Strict regulation of e-pharmacies to ensure prescription authenticity and patient safety.
- Closure of regulatory loopholes that allow online platforms to bypass existing drug control laws.
- Level playing field for traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies against heavily funded e-pharmacy startups.
Impact on Medicine Supply
The strike is expected to disrupt medicine availability across the country, particularly for chronic patients who rely on regular prescriptions. However, emergency services and hospitals may be exempted. Patients are advised to stock up on essential medicines in advance.
Government Response
The government has acknowledged the concerns and stated that it is reviewing the regulatory framework. Officials have urged the chemists to call off the strike and engage in dialogue. Meanwhile, e-pharmacy platforms have defended their operations, claiming they comply with all existing laws.
This is a developing story. More details will be updated as they become available.
