Jan Aushadhi Kendras to stay open during nationwide pharmacists' strike tomorrow; assure uninterrupted medicine supply
Patna, May 19
Even as pharmacy operators across India have called for a one-day strike on Wednesday over the lack of clear regulations governing e-pharmacies, the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana Kendras will remain operational, ensuring uninterrupted access to medicines.
The decision was taken by the PMBJK Retailer Association, which announced on Tuesday that Jan Aushadhi Kendras will continue to function, particularly at major hospitals such as AIIMS and Patna Medical College and Hospital, to avoid inconvenience to patients.
The nationwide strike by chemists has been called to demand a clear legal framework for the online sale of medicines, commonly referred to as e-pharmacy.
Industry representatives said that the absence of proper regulations has turned the sector into a grey area, raising serious concerns about public health and safety.
Pharmacists have flagged issues such as the easy availability of narcotics and Schedule H drugs online without adequate checks, which they say is contributing to misuse and societal harm.
According to pharmacy professionals, traditional chemists operate under strict provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandate prescription verification and limit the quantity of medicines dispensed.
In contrast, they claim that e-pharmacies often lack such safeguards.
Ravi Kumar, associated with the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, emphasised that uniform regulations should apply to both online and offline pharmacies to ensure patient safety.
Prasanna Kumar Singh, President of the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, said that many medicines require strict temperature-controlled storage (cold chain), which is often compromised during online delivery via courier services.
He warned that such lapses can reduce the efficacy of medicines and, in some cases, make them harmful.
Additionally, concerns were raised about the circulation of counterfeit drugs and the lack of proper return mechanisms in online transactions.
The association also highlighted the financial strain on traditional pharmacies due to the rapid growth of e-pharmacies.
In areas like Govind Mitra Road in Patna -- a major pharmaceutical hub -- more than 900 wholesale and retail shops reportedly generate significant monthly business.
However, the rise of online medicine sales has led to an estimated 10 per cent decline in business for offline retailers.
In Bihar alone, the sector is reportedly incurring losses of around Rs 20 crore per month, forcing many shop owners to reduce staff.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The concerns about e-pharmacies are very valid. My uncle ordered a scheduled drug online without any prescription - that's dangerous. But at the same time, traditional chemists also need to modernise. Why not both sides come together for regulation instead of strikes that hurt patients?
Rs 20 crore loss per month in Bihar alone? That's huge. But I also see value in e-pharmacies for people in remote areas who don't have access to good medical stores. The government should create clear rules urgently. Jan Aushadhi staying open is the right call ???
Living in Patna, I've seen how crowded these chemist shops on Govind Mitra Road are. The cold chain issue is real - I've received medicines through courier that were completely damaged. Regulate e-pharmacies properly, don't ban them. And kudos to Jan Aushadhi for staying open ???
As someone whose father is a chemist, I understand their frustration - competition from unregulated online platforms is unfair. But striking when patients need medicines is not the solution. The government must act fast on this grey area. At least Jan Aushadhi is showing the way forward ??
Interesting that the article highlights cold chain concerns - that's a major issue in India's delivery infrastructure. While e-pharmacies offer convenience, safety shouldn't be compromised. The 10% decline for local shops is concerning too. Hope the government drafts comprehensive rules soon.
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