A nationwide strike called by pharmaceutical trade associations to demand a ban on online medicine sales largely failed to disrupt operations in Bengaluru, as the majority of pharmacies and drugstores remained open on Wednesday.
Strike Demands
The protest, organized by various pharmacy and drug trader bodies, sought to highlight alleged violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act by e-pharmacy platforms. Traders claim that several online medicine sellers are operating without proper licenses, selling prescription drugs without valid prescriptions, and compromising patient safety.
Bengaluru Response
In Bengaluru, however, the protest received a lukewarm response. Most retail pharmacies and medical stores continued their regular business, with only a few establishments choosing to down shutters in solidarity. The city's pharmaceutical associations had extended support to the strike, but individual store owners largely opted to serve customers.
Industry sources indicated that the strike had minimal impact on medicine availability across the city. Patients were able to purchase essential and prescription drugs without any major inconvenience. The Bengaluru Drug Dealers Association stated that while they supported the cause, the decision to keep stores open was driven by public health considerations.
Background
The nationwide protest comes amid growing friction between traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacies and online medicine platforms. Traditional traders argue that e-pharmacies flout regulations by offering discounts, selling medicines without proper checks, and bypassing state-level licensing requirements. They have urged the central government to enforce a complete ban on online medicine sales to protect patient interests and ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Online pharmacy operators, on the other hand, maintain that they adhere to all legal norms and provide a convenient service, especially during the pandemic. The issue is currently under consideration by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which is expected to release revised guidelines for e-pharmacies soon.
Impact Assessment
While the strike was observed in several parts of the country, major cities like Bengaluru saw limited participation. In some states, police had to intervene to ensure that essential medicine supply was not disrupted. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) claimed that the strike was successful nationwide, but ground reports from Bengaluru suggested otherwise.
Health experts have cautioned against any disruption in medicine supply, emphasizing that patients with chronic conditions rely on uninterrupted access to medications. The Bengaluru protest highlights the growing divide between traditional and digital healthcare models.
