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Sasmit Patra Praises Chemists for Staying Open During Nationwide Strike
Sasmit Patra lauds chemists staying open amid strike as 'positive step'
Image: Asianet Newsable
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MP Sasmit Patra commended Jan Aushadhi centres and some chemist shops for remaining operational during a nationwide strike against e-pharmacies. He emphasized the need for government engagement with chemists' associations to protect offline pharmacies from the impact of e-commerce platforms.
- 01The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) called a 24-hour nationwide strike against unregulated e-pharmacy operations.
- 02AIOCD National President JS Shinde described the online sale of medicines as 'entirely unlawful and illegal.'
- 03The protest highlighted concerns over deep discounts offered by online platforms, affecting offline chemists' profit margins.
- 04Emergency medicines remained available during the strike despite many pharmacies closing.
- 05Patra also welcomed the strengthening of India-Italy ties through a joint op-ed by Prime Ministers Modi and Meloni.
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On Wednesday, Sasmit Patra, a Member of Parliament from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), expressed his approval of Jan Aushadhi centres and some chemist shops that remained open during a nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The strike protested against the growing influence of unregulated e-pharmacies, which AIOCD claims operate unlawfully and offer deep discounts that threaten the viability of traditional pharmacies. Patra stressed the importance of government dialogue with chemists' associations to ensure that offline pharmacies are not negatively affected by e-commerce platforms. The AIOCD's protest included closures in various regions, notably in Rajkot, Gujarat, and Pune, Maharashtra, although emergency medicines were still accessible. In addition to his comments on the strike, Patra welcomed the recent strengthening of India-Italy relations, highlighting a joint statement by Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni that aims to enhance cooperation in trade, technology, and other strategic areas.
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The ongoing debate over e-pharmacy regulations could significantly affect local chemists and pharmacies, potentially impacting their profitability and service availability.
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