‘Medicines is unlike other commodities’: AIOCD on why chemists went on strike

Rajiv Singhal

It was shutters down on Wednesday, as chemists and druggists across India observed the nationwide one-day token strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) against what it said was "illegal and uncontrolled online sale of medicines, sale of medicines without valid prescriptions, and predatory deep discounting practices by online medicine platforms." A question and answer with AIOCD secretary Rajiv Singhal.

You say the strike has been successful with more than 12 lakh chemists supporting you pan-India. What has changed on the ground?
Just like Rome was not built in a day, the pharmaceutical industry and its evolution, plus changes, cannot happen in one day. We are happy because this strike action was highlighted by the media. It brought about awareness amongst the public regarding the misuse of e-pharmacy platforms. It brought into focus our concerns and legitimate grievances, which is why we term it a success. Now, it is up to the authorities to take action.

Singhal: Industry needs healing. Pics/By Special Arrangement


You have concerns about the online sale of medicines. Most industries/services now operate in two worlds - online and offline. You will have to exist online too...
We are not saying that online has to disappear. It has to operate within rules in the proper way, and illegalities should be stopped. We are saying that deep discounting by online sellers is affecting us.

Even brick ‘n' mortar chemists give varying discounts. Some shops give 5 per cent, others give 20 per cent... There is a difference between shops too.
This is because of the competition now. Some huge illegal online corporates are now in the pharmaceutical industry, dealing in the drug retail system. This means a real challenge for small chemists.

What do you mean by the illegal and unregulated sale of medicines?
Medicines are being sold without prescriptions or with dubious prescriptions. Will you accept a prescription from a ghost doctor? This means one goes online, asking about a particular medicine. This cannot be procured without a prescription. Suddenly, a doctor surfaces online, some kind of ghost who one has never seen, and you have a prescription.

Now you can buy this medicine online with the help of a prescription. People need to be cautious. After all, medicines are not like other commodities which can be unused or discarded if unsuitable. People too must do due diligence and checks before buying and taking medicines. Even the Indian Medical Association (IMA) had flagged this long ago and informed the government.

Hello, Mr PM

The AIOCD president, JS Shinde, from the AIOCD headquarters in Dadar West and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal from Indore informed that during the strike, a memorandum was submitted addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

JS Shinde

Major concerns:

1. Illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines.
2. Sale and home delivery of medicines without valid and verified prescriptions.
3. Deep discounting by online platforms is adversely affecting lakhs of small and licensed chemists.

Prez talk

President JS Shinde of AIOCD said, " Medicines are not ordinary commodities. Online sales without proper verification pose a grave threat to public health and patient safety, and the regulatory framework under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act. Despite repeated representations and evidence submitted regarding illegal online operations, no effective action has yet been taken."