Pune Chemists Shut Shops May 20: Online Sales Protest

Chemists in Pune district will close their shops on May 20, joining a nationwide bandh called by the All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). Over 25,000 pharmacies are expected to participate, protesting against the rise of illegal online medicine sales. The Chemists Association of Pune District (CAPD) announced full support for the shutdown, emphasizing that their action is a response to policy inaction.

The protest specifically targets online medicine sales, which the AIOCD argues are being conducted without a clear legal framework under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Concerns are mounting regarding patient safety and regulatory oversight. While a notification in 2018 proposed rules for online sales, it has not yet been converted into law. A temporary relaxation during the Covid-19 pandemic for home delivery has also not been withdrawn, leading to alleged misuse.

Traditional chemists also cite unfair competition from corporate firms offering steep discounts, unlike the fixed trade margins for scheduled medicines. This situation threatens the medicine supply chain, particularly in rural areas. Despite repeated representations to government officials, a satisfactory response has not been received, prompting the agitational stance. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged citizens to make advance arrangements for medicines and to contact officials if facing emergencies.