One-day nationwide chemists’ strike begins on mixed note

The one-day strike called by All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against unregulated practice and deep discounting by online players started on a mixed note, even as the body claimed total support from its members.

AIOCD claims to represent 12.4 lakh chemists, pharmacists, and distributors and is demanding action against what it termed as “illegal” operations of online pharmacies.

“All medical shops are closed… we are getting feedback from all our state branches that everybody is participating in this strike. We have not given stress to the nursing home pharmacies which are working there inside the hospitals,” AIOCD General Secretary Rajiv Singhal told PTI.

However, in the National Capital Region outlets of some organised pharmacy chains were operating.

“We are not a part of the strike,” said one sales executive when asked about the nationwide strike call given by AIOCD.

Mr. Singhal reiterated that AIOCD is protesting the GSR 817 and GSR 220 notifications, as these are effectively regularising online pharmacies.

These have led to sale of medicines without proper physical verification of prescriptions, while online pharmacies backed by corporates with deep pockets are indulging in deep discounting thereby hurting traditional chemists, he noted.

Mr. Singhal said AIOCD will consider its future course of action after the one-day nationwide strike to protect the interests of its members and stakeholders.