New Delhi: A nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists on May 20 has created uncertainty for patients across India,
particularly those who rely on daily medication.
All-India chemist strike
The protest has been organised against online medicine sales and deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms, which chemists claim are hurting small businesses and operating without a fully defined legal framework.
The organisation has called for a one-day shutdown of retail medical stores and wholesale drug distribution networks across the country.
Why are chemists protesting?
According to AIOCD, existing regulations do not adequately govern online medicine sales. The association has raised concerns over government notifications GSR 220(E) and GSR 817(E), alleging that they created loopholes that enabled e-pharmacies to expand operations without clear legal safeguards.
The AIOCD said that the pharmaceutical trade is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. However, it argued that there is still no clear legal framework regulating online sales of medicines. It claimed that the Centre’s 2018 notification, GSR 817(E), has not been formally implemented despite the rapid expansion of e-pharmacies.
It also questioned the continued validity of GSR 220(E), a notification introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to allow home delivery of medicines. According to AIOCD, online medicine sellers are using these provisions to expand operations and offer discounted medicines, hurting traditional retailers.
The organisation has also objected to aggressive discounting practices by large online platforms.
AIOCD National President Jagannath S Shinde argued that neighbourhood chemists cannot compete with discounts ranging from 20 to 50 per cent.
The association says nearly 12.5 lakh chemists and drug retailers across India are being affected.
Chemist strike: What will remain open?
Despite the strike call, essential medicine services are expected to continue functioning.
The following facilities are likely to remain operational:
- Hospital-attached pharmacies
- Government hospital medicine counters
- Emergency medical stores
- Several 24×7 pharmacies
- Many Jan Aushadhi Kendras
State authorities are also monitoring the situation to ensure uninterrupted access to critical medicines.
Chemist strike: What could remain closed?
Depending on local participation, disruptions may be reported at:
- Standalone neighbourhood medical stores
- Independent chemist shops
- Wholesale medicine distributors
- Private pharmacy counters in markets and clinics
- Local medicine supply chains
Patients may also experience reduced operating hours, stock shortages or delays in medicine availability if wholesale distribution is affected.
Chemist strike May 20
Although the strike has national backing, participation is unlikely to be uniform across the country.
According to reports, pharmacy associations in at least 12 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal, have reportedly distanced themselves from the bandh.
As a result, many pharmacies in these regions could remain open despite the nationwide call. However, smaller independent chemists in some markets may still participate in the protest.
Consumers who require regular medication are advised to check with local pharmacies before visiting and plan for possible short-term disruptions.
