New Delhi: The apex body of chemists has declared a day-long nationwide strike today to protest the Centre’s move to regularise online pharmacies. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has opposed the government’s decision, stating e-pharmacy poses threat to their business and could lead to the risk of drug abuse.
“Repeated appeals have been made by the AIOCD through memorandums to the authorities and the departments concerned. The seriousness of the issue is evident through numerous cases of illegal online sale of medicines by the so called e-pharmacies and online portals. “The AIOCD has already observed two bharat bandhs earlier. If the appeal does not get a positive response from the government, we will not have any other option than to call for a nationwide indefinite agitation. Chemist shops across the country will remain closed on September 28,” said Sandeep Nangia, the organising secretary of the AIOCD and the president of the Retail Distributors Chemists Association (RDCA).
While the drug prices have been regulated by the government, online portals offer discounts up to 70 per cent against a 10 per cent discount available at wholesalers. The AIOCD members alleged e-pharmacies would encourage irrational usage of medicines and sale of spurious drugs. “The government should crack down any online sale of medicines as it raises the risk of drug abuse. At present, online pharmacy business is going illegally and the government is not taking any action against it, hence, we have no alternative than to go on a strike to protect health of general public,” said General Secretary of the AIOCD Rajiv Singhal.
