The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has called for a 24-hour strike starting May 20, 2026, to voice concerns over regulatory changes and pricing issues in the pharmaceutical sector. Representing around 12.4 lakh chemists, the AIOCD criticizes recent government regulations, specifically GSR 220(E) and GSR 817E, which govern the online sale of medicines. These regulations have raised alarms regarding the potential for counterfeit prescriptions and the lack of safeguards in online pharmacies. The AIOCD argues that these online platforms exploit home-delivery provisions established during the COVID-19 pandemic, which should be reviewed as the crisis has subsided. Additionally, the organization is demanding a revision of the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO) to enhance profit margins for offline chemists, enabling them to compete with the significant discounts offered by online pharmacies. Despite the strike, major pharmacy chains and hospital-based medical stores will remain operational, ensuring that emergency services and medicine availability are not disrupted. Some state pharmacy associations, including those from West Bengal and Kerala, have chosen not to participate in the strike, emphasizing their commitment to public health.