On Wednesday, Assam experienced significant disruption as over 80% of its 20,000 pharmacies closed in support of a nationwide strike organized by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). This strike aimed to protest against the unregulated online sale of medicines, which chemists argue poses a serious threat to public health and safety. Patients like Sukumar Bharali and Arati Das faced dire situations while searching for medications for their sick relatives, highlighting the strike's impact on healthcare access. The Chemists & Druggists Association of Assam (CDAA) reported that the strike was a success, with over 20,000 members participating. However, the Assam Drug Dealers’ Association (ADDA) criticized the strike for its potential to disrupt patient care, despite sharing concerns about online sales. During the strike, a memorandum was submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding the regulation of online medicine sales and the withdrawal of two controversial government notifications. While the protest remained largely peaceful, some pharmacy owners claimed they were coerced into closing their shops. Notably, over 500 pharmacies remained operational to cater to emergency needs throughout the state.