AIOCD to hold nationwide strike against online pharmacies in March 2025

 

The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing over 10 lakh pharmacists across the country, has declared a nationwide strike in March 2025 against online pharmacies. The protest aims to highlight the detrimental impact of online drug sales on the livelihood of brick-and-mortar chemists and to demand stricter regulations from the government.

J S Shinde, president of AIOCD, stated in an exclusive interview with Chronicle Pharmabiz in Mumbai, "The government introduced an online pharmacy model in 2018 through a notification by amending the Drugs and Cosmetics (D&C) Act. However, this has led to serious issues concerning patient safety, antimicrobial resistance, and regulatory oversight. Online pharmacies operate without proper monitoring by the medical fraternity, which poses a significant risk to public health."

AIOCD has raised multiple concerns over the functioning of online pharmacies, citing violation of the D&C Act. The organisation argues that online pharmacies contradict the principles of the Act, which mandates proper prescription-based drug dispensing.

There is a complete lack of medical oversight, which has led to cases of antibiotic misuse, increasing antimicrobial resistance and endangering patient safety.

Small and independent chemists are facing financial strain due to predatory pricing strategies employed by online pharmacies, including heavy discounts and bulk sales.

While discussing this issue with J S Shinde during the meet,  Convener of the Indian Pharmacist Abhiyan (Kashmir to Kanyakumari) Amitav Joyprakash Choudhury emphasized the urgent need for a central government policy on online pharmacies, stating, "Life-saving drugs are not chocolate and biscuits. Selling online lifesaving drugs affects human life."

Shinde further stated, "Online pharmacies have disrupted the traditional pharmaceutical supply chain. The government must intervene with technological solutions such as e-prescriptions to ensure safe dispensing of medicines."

AIOCD has put forth the following demands to the Union ministry of health and family welfare like immediate regulation of online pharmacies to ensure compliance with existing drug laws.

It has recommended formation of a government committee with representation from AIOCD to draft policies for digital healthcare services, strict enforcement against unauthorized online sales and closure of e-pharmacies violating drug regulations.

It has also recommended implementation of an e-prescription system to regulate digital drug dispensing.

The organisation has warned that if the government fails to address these issues, they will escalate their protest, potentially affecting the nationwide pharmaceutical supply. The strike is expected to disrupt medicine availability in pharmacies across the country, leading to challenges for patients requiring urgent medication.

With over 10 lakh pharmacists supporting the cause, AIOCD is preparing for large-scale protests in multiple cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The movement is also backed by independent drug retailers and trade unions who fear the monopolisation of the pharmaceutical sector by online platforms.

The Union ministry of health and family welfare has yet to respond officially to the AIOCD’s demands. However, sources indicate that discussions may take place with stakeholders to address concerns related to online pharmacies and public health safety. As the March 2025 deadline for the strike approaches, all eyes are on the government’s next steps in regulating digital healthcare services while ensuring fair competition in the pharmaceutical market.