The Centre has reassured citizens that the availability across India is unlikely to be affected by the proposed nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20. Government officials said multiple state-level pharmacy associations have refused to join the bandh and will continue operating chemist shops in the interest of public health and uninterrupted healthcare services. The AIOCD announced the strike to protest against online medicine sales, deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms, and alleged regulatory gaps in digital pharmaceutical services. However, officials stressed that essential medicine supply chains remain stable and patients should not panic about disruptions.Also read: What Is
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Why is the chemist’s body protesting?
he nationwide protest primarily targets the rapid expansion of e-pharmacies and online drug delivery platforms. Traditional chemist bodies argue that some online medicine providers are selling prescription drugs without proper verification, raising concerns about patient safety and misuse of medicines. The organisation has also flagged fears surrounding AI-generated fake prescriptions, warning that technological misuse could worsen the already growing problem of antibiotic resistance in India. Health experts have repeatedly cautioned that unregulated antibiotic consumption can contribute to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a major public health threat where bacteria become resistant to life-saving drugs. The chemists’ body has further demanded a rollback of certain Covid-era relaxations that allowed easier online medicine delivery during the pandemic. According to retail pharmacy associations, aggressive discounting by e-pharmacy companies threatens the survival of small local chemists, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where pharmacies often serve as the first point of healthcare access.
Several states refuse to join the strike
Despite the nationwide bandh call, pharmacy associations from at least 12 states and Union Territories - including Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal - have formally distanced themselves from the protest. These associations have submitted written assurances to the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), stating that chemist shops and pharmacies will remain open on May 20 to ensure uninterrupted patient care. Government officials emphasized that any disruption in pharmacy operations could severely impact elderly patients, individuals with chronic illnesses, and those dependent on regular medications such as insulin, heart medicines, cancer drugs, and blood pressure treatment. “Public health and patient access to medicines remain paramount. Constructive dialogue remains the preferred mechanism for addressing sectoral concerns while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services,” a government source said.
Government reviewing e-pharmacy regulations
Officials confirmed that representatives of AIOCD recently met with the national drug regulator to discuss concerns regarding online medicine sales, prescription verification, and pricing practices. The Centre is currently reviewing the regulatory framework governing India’s rapidly growing e-pharmacy sector. Authorities said consultations are ongoing to address what officials described as “legitimate concerns” raised by traditional brick-and-mortar chemists while ensuring patients continue benefiting from digital healthcare innovation. Experts say online pharmacies can improve medicine access and affordability, particularly in remote areas, but stronger safeguards are needed to prevent misuse of prescription drugs and ensure regulatory compliance.
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