20 May,2026 09:03 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
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Chemists across India have called for a nationwide strike on Wednesday to protest against the growing sale of medicines through online platforms and e-pharmacies. The agitation, led by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), is likely to impact the availability of medicines in several cities as more than 12.4 lakh private medical stores are expected to remain closed for the day, reported IANS.
The protest has been organised to highlight concerns over what chemists describe as inadequate regulation of online medicine sales. Retail pharmacy associations have alleged that several e-pharmacy platforms are operating without strict monitoring, particularly in the verification of prescriptions and the storage and delivery of medicines, reported IANS.
According to protesting associations, the rapid expansion of online pharmacies has increased the risk of counterfeit medicines, misuse of drugs, and unauthorised sale of prescription medication. Pharmacists argue that medicines sold online are often delivered without proper checks, creating potential health risks for consumers, reported IANS.
They have also raised concerns about the availability of narcotics and Schedule H drugs through digital platforms. Chemists claim that these medicines can sometimes be purchased online without sufficient verification, which could contribute to misuse and addiction-related problems.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, traditional pharmacies are required to follow strict guidelines related to prescription checks, dispensing limits, and record maintenance. Pharmacy professionals argue that offline chemists are regularly inspected and must comply with detailed regulations, while similar safeguards are not always visible in the online medicine delivery system.
Ravi Kumar, associated with the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, said there should be a uniform regulatory framework for both online and offline pharmacies to ensure patient safety and fair business practices, reported IANS.
He stated that while traditional chemists operate under strict legal provisions, e-pharmacies should also be subjected to the same standards for prescription verification, storage conditions, and medicine delivery.
Prasanna Kumar Singh, president of the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association, pointed out that many medicines require temperature-controlled storage, commonly referred to as the cold chain system. He warned that medicines transported through courier services without proper temperature management may lose effectiveness and could even become harmful in certain cases, reported IANS.
Despite the nationwide strike, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Kendras will continue to function across the country. The PMBJK Retailer Association announced on Tuesday that Jan Aushadhi stores, especially those located near major government hospitals, would remain open to ensure patients do not face difficulties in accessing essential medicines.
Stores operating at institutions such as All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and Patna Medical College and Hospital are expected to provide uninterrupted medicine supply during the strike period.
The issue of regulating online pharmacies has been debated for several years, with pharmacy associations repeatedly demanding stricter enforcement and clearer policies for digital medicine sales. While online platforms have expanded access and convenience for consumers, retail chemists maintain that stronger oversight is necessary to prevent misuse and ensure the safe handling of medicines.
(With inputs from IANS)
