Several retail bodies decline to join AIOCD's nationwide strike over e-pharmacy concerns: sources
By By Shalini Bhardwaj, New Delhi, May 18
Several Retail Pharmacy Associations across the country have declined to participate in the one-day nationwide strike proposed by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists on May 20, citing larger public interest and humanitarian responsibility towards ensuring uninterrupted access to essential medicines, according to sources in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation.
The strike call was reportedly issued by AIOCD in connection with certain concerns relating to the operation of e-pharmacies. CDSCO sources have stated that representatives of AIOCD had recently met the national drug regulator to present their concerns, following which they were assured that the issues raised are under active review and that the regulatory framework governing the sector is being examined to address legitimate concerns of retail pharmacy stakeholders.
Sources further emphasised that any disruption in the functioning of chemist shops has the potential to cause serious inconvenience to patients, particularly vulnerable groups dependent on regular access to life-saving and essential medicines, besides impacting critical medical supply chains.
Recognising this, several Retail Pharmacy Associations have reviewed the situation and expressed satisfaction over the regulator's constructive response. In view of the ongoing review process and the need to safeguard patient welfare, these associations have categorically declined to support the proposed bandh.
Retail Pharmacy Associations from West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have voluntarily submitted written assurances that they will not participate in the strike and have committed to ensuring there will be no disruption in the availability of medicines to the public on the proposed day of protest.
Central Drug Regulator official reiterated that public health and patient access to medicines remain paramount, and constructive dialogue remains the preferred mechanism for addressing sectoral concerns while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for citizens across the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
I'm a doctor and I can tell you, patients are already struggling with medicine shortages. Another strike would be catastrophic. E-pharmacies are offering services that traditional stores often can't - 24/7 delivery, better prices, and home delivery. The old guard needs to evolve, not resist change. Patient welfare first!
As a foreigner living in rural UP, I've seen how e-pharmacies help patients who live miles from any chemist. But I also understand why local chemists feel threatened - they're small businessmen worried about their livelihood. The regulator must find a balance that protects both public health AND small businesses.
I'm torn on this. On one hand, I appreciate that some associations are thinking about patient welfare. On the other, AIOCD's concerns about e-pharmacies selling prescription drugs without proper checks are valid. I've seen online platforms deliver antibiotics without a prescription - that's dangerous. The regulator needs to enforce strict rules on both sides. ⚖️
Good decision by these state associations! My mother is a diabetic and depends on her local chemist for regular supplies. A strike would have caused chaos. But I also feel for the small kirana-style pharmacy owners - they're already struggling with big pharma chains and now online players. Government should give them transition support instead of just watching them get squeezed out.
This is what responsible leadership looks like. Industry bodies should protest through dialogue, not by punishing the public. E-pharmacies are the future - they reduce queues, provide medicine history tracking, and help manage chronic conditions better. Traditional pharmacies can coexist if they adapt. Change is hard but necessary. Progress over protest. 👍
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.