Nationwide Strike by Chemists Against Online Medicine Sales

15 lakh chemists and druggists nationwide plan to shut their stores on May 20 in protest against illegal online medicine sales and corporate competition. The strike, organized by AIOCD, aims to address the misuse of online sales allowed during the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to affect small retailers.

In a significant move, over 15 lakh chemists and druggists across the country will close their stores on May 20, protesting against unauthorized online sales of medicines and aggressive corporate competition. The announcement was made by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) at a press conference in Thane.

AIOCD President Jagannath Shinde explained that the strike intends to push for the withdrawal of pandemic-era notifications that facilitated the misuse of online medicinal sales. While local medical shops attached to hospitals will remain open, the focus is on addressing fake drugs reaching youth due to unchecked online practices.

Shinde highlighted that the continuation of relaxed regulations post-pandemic has allowed online companies to exploit the market through significant discounts, harming smaller retailers. He emphasized the urgency of regulating online drug sales to protect public health and the livelihood of local chemists.