Most pharmacies observe 24-hour strike against online sales

Chemists and druggists protesting against 'illegal' online sale of medicines

Pharmacies across most states observed a 24-hour strike, to end at midnight on Wednesday. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), claiming to represent 750,000 retailers, had called for it to protest against online sale of medicines. Business worth Rs 260 crore is estimated to have taken a hit. Meanwhile, the government has extended the deadline for receiving suggestions on the issue by a month.

J S Shinde, president of AIOCD, said all their members observed the strike. “At certain locations, even large retail chains like Apollo Pharmacy and MedPlus have joined,” he said.

The health ministry has formed a committee to look into the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the related rules, examine the practises in developed countries, and evaluate the risks and concerns regarding online sale's impact on public health.

The panel is headed by Harshadeep Kamble, commissioner of the Maharashtra government's Food and Drug Administration. Last month, it invited comment from stakeholders, including citizens. The final date for doing so has since been extended till October 30.

AIOCD and Indian Internet Pharmacy Association, a newly formed body of online medicine retailers, have given their comments, against and for, respectively.