Chemists Across India Announce Nationwide Shutdown on May 20 Over Online Medicine Sales

Medical retailers across India have announced a nationwide shutdown on May 20 in protest against online medicine sales and aggressive discounting practices by e-pharmacy companies. The agitation has been organised by the All India Chemists and Druggists Association, which warned the Central government of an indefinite strike if their demands remain unaddressed. Around 12.5 lakh medical stores, stretching from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, are expected to participate in the bandh. During a press conference held in Kalyan, AICDA president Jagannath Shinde claimed that uncontrolled online drug sales and steep discounts offered by corporate-backed pharmacy platforms are severely affecting the survival of small and independent chemists across the country.

Shinde stated that despite multiple appeals to the government and concerned ministries, authorities have failed to introduce effective regulations for online medicine sales. He pointed out that the pharmaceutical sector in India is governed by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, but no dedicated legal framework currently exists for digital medicine retail. Referring to observations made earlier by the Delhi High Court, Shinde alleged that even after concerns were raised over illegal online drug sales, proper enforcement measures have not been implemented. He added that temporary relaxations granted during the COVID-19 pandemic for home delivery of medicines continue to be misused by online pharmacy companies.

According to the association, large e-pharmacy firms and corporate pharmacy chains are offering medicine discounts ranging from 20 to 50 per cent, creating unfair competition for traditional chemists. Shinde argued that under the Drug Price Control Order, 2013, profit margins for wholesalers and retailers dealing in essential medicines are already fixed, making it difficult for smaller businesses to compete with heavily discounted online platforms. He warned that continued predatory pricing could badly impact rural and semi-urban areas, where independent medical shops remain the primary source of medicines and emergency healthcare support. The association has also demanded permission for licensed chemists to provide substitute brands against prescriptions to remain commercially sustainable.

The AICDA said several memorandums had been submitted to various ministries and regulatory bodies, including a representation addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, but no satisfactory action has been taken so far. Shinde warned that if the government continues to ignore their concerns after the May 20 protest, chemists across the country could intensify the agitation and move towards an indefinite shutdown. He even suggested that medical shop owners may symbolically send the keys of their establishments to the Central government as a mark of protest. Several office-bearers of the Thane District Chemists and Druggists Association attended the press conference, while Maharashtra state association secretary Anil Navandar claimed that the bandh would witness complete participation across the state.