Whalesbook
Chemists across India went on strike nationwide on May 20 to protest the growing reach of online medicine sellers and e-pharmacies. The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) submitted a detailed memo to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, detailing their worries.
Their main complaint is that online platforms and quick-commerce services allegedly sell and deliver medicines without proper checks. The AIOCD claims these companies provide drugs without confirmed prescriptions, creating serious risks for patient safety and overall public health.
Unfair Competition and Pricing
The AIOCD also highlighted the aggressive deep discounting tactics used by e-pharmacies. They argue these price cuts harm small, local chemists, creating an unfair market and endangering their businesses. The chemists are calling for the government to withdraw specific regulations, GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), which they believe online medicine services and quick commerce companies are misusing.
Push for Stronger Oversight
The association states that current rules are not enough to prevent abuse and ensure accountability in medicine distribution. The strike's effect varied nationally, with some pharmacies staying open. However, the main goal was to pressure the central government to implement tighter controls on e-pharmacies and resolve the long-standing issues faced by traditional chemists.