New Delhi, May 20: Medicine supply and access to healthcare services were disrupted across several parts of the country as chemists observed a nationwide one-day strike, raising concerns over the rapid growth of e-pharmacies, alleged irregularities in the sector and the circulation of counterfeit medicines.
The shutdown, called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists, led to the closure of medical stores in multiple states, affecting patients and healthcare services. The protest sought stricter regulation of online pharmacy platforms and stronger enforcement of pharmaceutical laws.
According to Parsan Kumar Singh, President of the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association and national Vice-President of AIOCD, the strike received widespread participation across the country. Demonstrations were held at block, subdivision and district levels, particularly in Bihar, where a near-complete shutdown was reported.
Despite the scale of the protest, certain exemptions were made to minimise public inconvenience. Nursing homes and Janaushadhi Kendras were kept operational following requests from health authorities, ensuring that critical healthcare services continued without disruption.
The strike drew support from political leaders as well. Sasmit Patra described the concerns raised by chemists as valid, pointing to the increasing dominance of e-commerce platforms in medicine sales.
Public response to the strike remained mixed. While some individuals expressed support for the convenience and affordability offered by online medicine delivery services, others acknowledged the concerns raised by traditional chemists regarding regulation and quality control.
The impact of the shutdown was significant in several regions. In Punjab, including major markets in Amritsar, medical stores remained closed as chemists protested against online pharmacies and policy changes. Chandigarh witnessed a partial impact, with a number of shops shutting operations.
In Himachal Pradesh, residents reported difficulty in accessing medicines due to widespread closures. In Mumbai, the disruption affected medical services and medicine availability at various locations. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district, more than 1,200 pharmacies remained shut in support of the strike.
Chemists participating in the protest reiterated demands for a ban or stricter regulation of e-pharmacies, action against counterfeit drug circulation and tighter controls on the sale of sensitive medicines such as abortion pills.
However, some establishments continued operations, particularly those located near hospitals. A medical store worker in Delhi stated that keeping shops open was necessary to serve patients who rely on immediate access to medicines, especially those travelling from distant areas.
The strike highlights ongoing tensions between traditional pharmacy networks and the growing digital marketplace for medicines. As debates over regulation, safety and accessibility continue, the issue is expected to remain a key concern for both policymakers and the healthcare sector.
