An apex body representing over 12 lakh chemists has called for a “national shutdown” on May 20th, protesting the “unregulated functioning of online pharmacies and predatory pricing.”
In a submission to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) alleged that “no concrete action” had been taken on issues affecting the pharmaceutical trade.
Fake Prescriptions
The organisation alleged that e-pharmacy platforms were taking advantage of regulatory relaxations and medicines were being sold without physical verification on the repeated use of the same prescription.
“Through AI-based fake prescriptions, uncontrolled availability of antibiotics and habit-forming drugs is giving rise to major threats such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is a direct compromise with public health,” it said.
Further, it alleged, large corporate entities were disturbing the stability in the market through deep discounting. “While margins on essential medicines are fixed by the Government (NPPA/DPCO), these entities are creating unfair competition. This is threatening the survival of small chemists in rural and semi-urban areas, which will ultimately destroy the accessible medicine supply system,” the AIOCD said.
Urge to Withdraw
The association called for the withdrawal of emergency notifications GSR. 220(E) - issued during Covid (26th March 2020), as a temporary measure. It does not have a rational to continue today, the association said. “This rule is weakening the strict provisions of Drug Rule 65, and digital platforms are taking advantage of it to violate regulatory safeguards,” it added. They also called for the withdrawal of the e-pharmacy related notification GSR 817(E). A “level playing field” policy should be introduced to stop unfair deep discounting by corporates, the association said.
AIOCD President JS Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal, said, in a joint statement that the issue was not merely about trade, but patient safety as well. “If the Government does not take any concrete decision on these demands by 20 May, we will be compelled to launch an indefinite agitation.”
Published on May 12, 2026