Chemists and druggists across India have announced a nationwide shutdown on May 20 to protest against illegal online medicine sales and deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms. The protest has been called by the All India Chemists and Druggists Association (AICDA), which said nearly 12.5 lakh medical stores are expected to participate in the bandh.
According to AICDA president Jagannath Shinde, traditional chemists are facing severe financial pressure due to aggressive discounting practices by online pharmacy platforms and corporate pharmacy chains. The association alleged that online companies are offering discounts ranging from 20% to 50% on medicines, creating an uneven business environment for local retailers.
Concerns Over Regulation Of Online Medicine Sales
Chemist associations have argued that India still lacks a clear statutory framework specifically regulating online medicine sales. The industry currently operates under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
The association also claimed that despite court observations and repeated representations to authorities, illegal online sales of medicines continue without effective enforcement measures.
Pandemic-Era Relaxations Under Scrutiny
According to the association, the Centre had introduced temporary relaxations during the Covid-19 pandemic through GSR 220(E), allowing home delivery of medicines to ensure uninterrupted supply during lockdowns. Chemist groups now allege that several online platforms continue to use those relaxations even after the pandemic period ended.
Retail pharmacists have also raised concerns over the online sale of prescription medicines, including Schedule H, H1, and X drugs, which require valid prescriptions from registered medical practitioners.
Small Medical Stores Warn Of Business Impact
Industry representatives said deep discounting and online delivery models are affecting footfalls at neighbourhood pharmacies, especially small independent medical stores in urban and semi-urban regions.
The association warned that if the current situation continues, smaller chemists in rural and semi-urban India could face severe operational challenges. Several industry groups also alleged that excessive discounting amounts to predatory pricing practices.
Possibility Of Indefinite Strike
AICDA said the May 20 bandh could escalate into an indefinite nationwide strike if the government fails to address the concerns raised by chemists and druggists. The association stated that memorandums have already been submitted to multiple ministries and regulatory authorities, including representations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reports said medicine purchases and routine pharmaceutical supply may face temporary disruption during the shutdown in several states.
Summary
Chemists and druggists across India will observe a nationwide shutdown on May 20 to protest illegal online medicine sales and deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms. The All India Chemists and Druggists Association said nearly 12.5 lakh medical stores may participate. The association warned of an indefinite strike if the government fails to address concerns regarding online pharmacy regulation and pricing practices.
