Nationwide Strike by Chemists in Gujarat Against Unregulated Online Pharmacies
Chemists' strike hits Gujarat; AIOCD protests online pharmacies
Image: Asianet Newsable
In Gujarat, medical shops and pharmacies in Rajkot participated in a 24-hour strike organized by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) to protest against unregulated online pharmacies. The AIOCD demands a halt to online sales, withdrawal of specific government notifications, and higher profit margins for offline chemists amid deep discounts offered by online platforms.
- 01The strike is part of a nationwide protest against the online sale of prescription medicines, which the AIOCD claims is illegal.
- 02AIOCD National President JS Shinde emphasized the need for proper regulation to prevent online pharmacies from falling into the hands of organized crime.
- 03The AIOCD demands the cancellation of Notification GSR 817 and the withdrawal of Notification GSR 220, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 04The organization requests that offline chemists be allowed higher margins under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) to compete with online discounts.
- 05Emergency medicines will remain available during the strike, ensuring that essential healthcare needs are met.
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The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) initiated a nationwide 24-hour strike on May 20, 2023, with pharmacies in Rajkot, Gujarat, closing their shutters in protest against unregulated online pharmacies. AIOCD National President JS Shinde labeled the current online sale of medicines as 'entirely unlawful and illegal,' citing concerns over the potential for organized crime if not properly regulated. The AIOCD has made three key demands: the cancellation of Notification GSR 817, the withdrawal of Notification GSR 220, and action against deep discounts offered by online platforms. Shinde argued that if online pharmacies continue their discount practices, offline chemists should receive higher margins under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) to remain competitive. Despite the strike, emergency medicines will still be available to ensure public health needs are met. This protest highlights the ongoing debate over the regulation of online pharmacies in India.
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The strike affects local pharmacies and their ability to compete with online platforms, potentially impacting consumer choices and access to medications.
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