Pharmacies across the country remained shut on Wednesday following a nationwide strike call by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), protesting against the operation of e-pharmacies and the alleged lack of regulation in online medicine sales.
The shutdown also affected several areas in Sivasagar, where local chemists and druggists extended support to the nationwide protest.
According to representatives of the pharmacists’ association, the agitation was organised to press the government to address key concerns related to online medicine delivery platforms. They alleged that unregulated online supply chains are contributing to the circulation of fake and substandard medicines.
Speaking to the media, a representative of the association stated that online sale and distribution of medicines are not permitted under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. He claimed that temporary relaxations were provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, but online medicine delivery has continued even after the emergency period.
“The government should withdraw the temporary provisions and ensure that medicine dispensing takes place strictly according to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,” the representative said.
The association further stated that the strike was not intended to create inconvenience for patients. To avoid disruption of essential healthcare services, several pharmacies in Sivasagar district remained open, especially those attached to government healthcare facilities and veterinary services.
“In Sivasagar town, pharmacies connected to government healthcare centres were kept operational so that the public does not face hardship,” the representative added.
The organisation also highlighted the economic impact of e-pharmacy businesses on traditional medicine retailers. According to the association, nearly 12.4 lakh members across the country are associated with the pharmacy profession and many have suffered financial losses due to the rapid expansion of online medicine delivery services.
The protesting pharmacists urged the Central Government to introduce stricter regulations on online medicine sales and protect the livelihood of conventional chemists and druggists across India.
