The All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD) on Wednesday submitted a detailed memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, raising concerns over the alleged unregulated sale and home delivery of medicines by online platforms and quick-commerce operators amid the nationwide protest by chemists and pharmacists against e-pharmacies and certain government policies.
To press for their demands, the chemist associations across India called for a nationwide shutdown on May 20 in protest against the rapid expansion of online medicine platforms and e-pharmacies over unfair competition, deep discounting and regulatory loopholes in the sector.
In its memorandum, the AIOCD alleged that several online platforms are supplying medicines without valid and verified prescriptions, posing serious risks to patient safety and public health.
The body also objected to deep discounting practices adopted by e-pharmacies, claiming such pricing models are hurting small retail chemists across the country and creating an uneven business environment.
The chemists' body further demanded the immediate withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), alleging that these provisions are being misused by online medicine delivery platforms and quick commerce companies.
According to the association, the current framework lacks adequate checks to prevent misuse and ensure accountability in medicine distribution.
The impact of the all-India strike remained mixed, with several pharmacies in different states continuing operations despite the protest call. The agitation was primarily aimed at pressing the Centre to tighten regulations on e-pharmacies and address the concerns of traditional chemists, who fear loss of livelihood due to the rapid expansion of online medicine delivery services.
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