Modi govt won't backtrack on e-platform plan despite chemists strike

Chemists oppose plan as it will hike their costs and impact business especially in rural areas

The Central government is firm on its plan to introduce a e-platform to regulate sale of drugs despite opposition from chemists.

On Tuesday, chemists across the country shut stores in a day-long strike against the move which will make it mandatory to upload all details of sale and purchase. The chemists have opposed the plan as it will increase their costs and impact business especially in rural areas. With limited internet infrastructure it will not be possible to switch to e-platform, chemists have said.

All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) president Jagannath Shinde said the strike