The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists has called for a nationwide shutdown of medicine sales on Wednesday, receiving support from the Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association and the Nashik District Chemists and Druggists Association. The strike aims to protest against the continued operation of online medicine sales, which local chemists argue are illegal under existing regulations.
Background of the Protest
Nitin Devargaonkar, President of the Nashik District Chemists and Druggists Association, explained that the medicine business is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules 1945, which contain no provisions for online medicine sales. He noted that the special exemption granted for home delivery of medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic has not been revoked by the government even after five years. This has allowed online and corporate companies to exploit the situation, offering unreasonable discounts that harm small businesses. According to Devargaonkar, the livelihoods of approximately 12.5 lakh medicine sellers across the country are at risk.
Impact on Local Chemists
In Nashik district alone, there are 8,000 chemists and druggists, in addition to 1,200 wholesalers. The strike is expected to result in the closure of many medicine shops in the city and district. However, government hospitals, emergency medical services, and some selected medicine shops may remain open to ensure access to critical medications.
Government Response
Joint Commissioner (Drugs) of the Food and Drug Administration, Nashik Division, A. T. Burde, issued a press release urging residents to make advance arrangements for necessary medicines and medical supplies to maintain peace. Burde emphasized that licenses for medicine shopkeepers are granted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, with the primary objective of ensuring timely availability of medicines to patients. He appealed to chemists not to participate in the shutdown, stating that the administration will enforce the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and other applicable laws to prevent an artificial shortage of medicines.
The strike highlights the ongoing tension between traditional pharmacy businesses and the growing online pharmacy sector, which has expanded rapidly since the pandemic. The chemists argue that online platforms bypass regulations and undercut prices, threatening the survival of small retailers. The government, while acknowledging the concerns, has called for compliance with existing laws and urged all parties to prioritize patient access to medicines.
