Chemists in India staged a one-day strike organized by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) to protest online pharmacy sales, alleged e-pharmacy irregularities, and concerns over counterfeit medicines. The strike resulted in the closure of medical stores in various states, leading to disruptions in medicine availability and healthcare services. The protest garnered widespread support, with participation at different levels across the country.
Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association (BCDA) President and AIOCD national Vice-President, Parsan Kumar Singh, highlighted the nationwide shutdown and localized protests in Bihar. While the strike impacted medical services, exemptions were made for nursing homes and Janaushadhi Kendras to minimize inconvenience to the public and consumers. The protest also received backing from BJD MP Sasmit Patra, who acknowledged the chemists’ concerns regarding the increasing influence of e-commerce and e-pharmacies.
The strike elicited mixed reactions from the public, with some supporting online options for pricing and convenience, while others understood the association’s concerns behind the strike. States like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra experienced significant disruptions in medical services due to the closure of pharmacies. In Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district, over 1,200 pharmacies shut down in solidarity, advocating for a ban on e-pharmacies and stricter measures against counterfeit drugs and abortion pills.
Amidst the strike, demands for enhanced regulation of online medicine sales and stricter enforcement of pharmaceutical laws echoed across states. While many pharmacies participated in the strike, some medical stores remained open to cater to patients’ needs, emphasizing the importance of continuous access to medicines for those in need.
