The one-day strike called by the All India Chemists and Pharmacists’ Organization against unregulated practices and deep discounts by online players, began in a mixed manner even as the body demanded full support from its members.
The All India Organization of Chemists and Pharmacists (AIOCD) claims to represent 12.4 lakh chemists, pharmacists and distributors, and demands action against what it calls the “illegal” operations of online pharmacies.
Also read: Nationwide chemists’ strike elicits mixed reactions in Bengal
“All medical shops are closed… We are receiving feedback from all branches of our state that everyone is participating in this strike. We have not put pressure on the nursing home pharmacies that are working there inside the hospitals,” AIOCD general secretary Rajeev Singhal told PTI.
However, in the National Capital Region outlets of some organized pharmacy chains were operational.
“We are not part of the strike,” said a sales executive when asked about the nationwide strike call by AIOCD.
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Singhal reiterated that the AIOCD is protesting against the GSR 817 and GSR 220 notifications, as these notifications effectively regulate online pharmacies.
This has led to drugs being sold without proper physical verification of prescriptions, while corporate-backed online pharmacies with deep pockets are indulging in deep discounts to the detriment of traditional chemists, he noted.
Singhal said the AIOCD would consider its future course of action after the one-day nationwide strike to protect the interests of its members and stakeholders.
