Health & Lifestyle
E-Pharmacy Dispute Sparks Proposed Nationwide Protest
Sources in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation said multiple retail pharmacy associations have decided not to participate in the proposed nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists.
Sources in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) have indicated that several retail pharmacy associations across the country have declined to participate in the one-day nationwide strike proposed for May 20, 2026.
The strike had reportedly been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) over concerns related to the functioning and regulation of e-pharmacies.
According to sources, many retail pharmacy groups chose not to join the strike in view of public interest and humanitarian considerations, emphasising the need to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines and healthcare services.
CDSCO sources said representatives of the AIOCD had recently met officials of the national drug regulator to raise their concerns regarding the sector.
The organisation was reportedly assured that the issues highlighted by retail pharmacy stakeholders are under active examination and that the regulatory framework governing e-pharmacies is currently being reviewed.
Officials indicated that the government is considering measures to address legitimate concerns while ensuring that medicine supply chains and patient access remain unaffected.
The debate over e-pharmacies has remained a major issue within the pharmaceutical retail sector, with traditional chemist associations raising concerns related to licensing norms, pricing practices, and competition from online platforms.
At the same time, digital pharmacy services have expanded rapidly in recent years due to growing demand for online healthcare and medicine delivery services.
No official nationwide disruption in medicine availability has been reported so far.