Chemists across India are set to engage in a 24-hour nationwide strike to express their opposition to new e-pharmacy regulations. The General Secretary of the All India Organisation Chemists and Druggists Association (AIOCD), Prabhakar Kumar, announced the protest, citing concerns related to e-pharmacy provisions introduced under GSR 817E on August 20, 2018. The chemists believe that the online sale of medications poses a significant threat to the retail pharmacy system, which is heavily reliant on prescription-based sales.

Kumar highlighted that the traditional retail pharmacies must adhere to rigorous documentation requirements for restricted substances, including antibiotics and other controlled drugs. He expressed concern that the e-pharmacy model enables the online sale of these medications without proper regulation, thereby increasing the risk of misuse and the potential for counterfeit prescriptions in digital transactions.

According to Kumar, their opposition centres on the belief that the current regulatory framework does not adequately safeguard against the risks associated with the online sale of medicines. “We are fundamentally against the online system,” he stated, emphasising the need for strict control over prescriptions. He pointed out that chemists maintain a meticulous record of all transactions to ensure compliance with health regulations, a practice that could be compromised by e-pharmacy systems.

Strike Details and Community Impact

The AIOCD’s announcement outlined that the strike, scheduled from midnight on May 19 to midnight on May 20, will see approximately 1.25 million chemists participating, including around 40,000 from Bihar. Kumar asserted that all shops will remain closed during this period, creating a significant impact on medicine availability across the country.

In response to concerns over potential disruptions to patient care, Kumar stated that emergency arrangements have been coordinated with district officials. He confirmed that government hospitals and local health facilities would continue to supply necessary medications throughout the protest. The chemist community has made an effort to mitigate the impact on patients by ensuring that essential medicines remain accessible.

Reinforcing their commitment to societal welfare, Kumar indicated that they are dedicated to ensuring that patients face minimal disruption during the strike period. He reassured the public that necessary procedures have been taken to address healthcare needs during the shutdown.

Government Response and Advisory Measures

In a related development, the Tamil Nadu government issued an advisory stating that certain pharmacies, including hospital pharmacies and cooperative outlets, will remain operational during the chemists’ strike. The state’s Drugs Control Department expects around 5,000 pharmacies to function normally, with helpline numbers established to assist in emergencies.

Comprehensive arrangements have been made under the guidance of Assistant Directors and Drug Inspectors to address any issues arising from the strike. Information regarding the helplines and pharmacy services has been made available online to facilitate public access to medicines during this time.

Despite the nationwide shutdown, major pharmacy chains and hospital-attached medical stores are reportedly set to operate as usual on May 20, ensuring that the public retains access to necessary medications. The AIOCD continues to express its grievances regarding e-pharmacy operations, which the organisation argues lack adequate oversight and ethical accountability.

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