JAMSHEDPUR – A nationwide one-day symbolic strike called by chemists and druggists against illegal and unregulated online medicine sales witnessed a strong response in Jamshedpur on Wednesday. The bandh was organized on the call of the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), with medicine shop owners across the city keeping their establishments closed in support of the protest.
Under the leadership of the Jamshedpur Chemists and Druggists Association, local chemists and druggists raised their voice against the alleged illegal activities of online medicine platforms, the threat posed to public health, and the growing crisis faced by small pharmacy businesses. During the strike, traders demanded that the government implement strict regulations on online medicine sales.
On the occasion, a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner through the local administration. The memorandum raised serious concerns over the functioning of online pharmacy companies and listed several demands before the government.
Association president Pankaj Chhabra stated that the online sale and home delivery of medicines without valid and verified medical prescriptions are becoming a serious threat to public health. He further said that deep discounting by online platforms is adversely affecting the business of small and licensed medicine sellers.
Office bearers of the organization said that lakhs of small chemists across the country are worried about their livelihood. They warned that if the government fails to take concrete action soon, the agitation could be intensified on a larger scale in the future.
Due to the strike, residents in several parts of the city faced inconvenience as many medicine shops remained closed throughout the day. However, some pharmacies linked to emergency services continued operations to ensure availability of essential medicines.
