New Delhi, May 20: Medical shops across India remained closed on Wednesday following a nationwide bandh call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The protest was organised against online medicine sales and the growing dominance of corporate e-pharmacy companies.
More than 12.40 lakh pharmacists and drug distributors across the country extended support to the 24-hour strike. As a result, retail medical shops in several states and major cities remained shut from early morning.
Chemists’ associations alleged that online pharmacies are selling antibiotics and other high-risk medicines without proper physical verification of prescriptions. They also claimed that fake AI-generated prescriptions are being used for the sale of addictive and restricted drugs, posing a serious threat to public health.
The organisations further demanded the immediate withdrawal of temporary exemptions issued by the Central government during the Covid-19 pandemic for home delivery of medicines. They argued that notifications G.S.R. 220(E) and G.S.R. 817(E), introduced as emergency measures, are still being continued despite the pandemic ending.
Concerns Over E-Pharmacy Discounts and Public Health
Pharmacists also accused large corporate e-pharmacy companies of following predatory pricing practices by offering discounts ranging from 20 to 50 percent on medicines. They said such pricing is affecting the livelihood of small medical shop owners, as medicine profit margins are already fixed under government regulations.
Meanwhile, health authorities in Telangana and other states issued public advisories to avoid inconvenience to patients, senior citizens and those requiring emergency medicines.
Officials clarified that medical stores attached to government and private hospitals would continue operations during the bandh. Government-run Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT pharmacies also remained open.
In addition, major corporate pharmacy chains such as Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus continued services during the shutdown.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) also activated a special toll-free helpline number 1800 599 6969 for complaints and emergency medicine support. Authorities advised people to contact local drug inspectors in case of urgent medical requirements.
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