May 20 Bharat Bandh? Chemists Across India Protest Against E-Pharmacy Platforms Over Online Medicine Sales

May 20 Bharat Bandh? Medical retailers across India have announced a nationwide protest against online medicine sales and deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms, warning that nearly 12.5 lakh chemist shops could remain shut across the country. The protest, led by the All India Chemists and Druggists Association, is aimed at pressuring the Central government to introduce stricter regulation for e-pharmacies, which traditional chemists say are hurting small medical stores through aggressive pricing and unchecked online sales.

The association has warned that if their concerns are not addressed, a larger indefinite strike may follow in the coming weeks. The planned bandh is expected to impact medicine availability across both urban and rural areas if participation remains widespread.

Speaking during a press conference in Kalyan, AICDA president Jagannath Shinde said neighbourhood chemists are finding it increasingly difficult to survive against corporate-backed online pharmacy companies offering heavy discounts on medicines. According to the association, traditional chemists already operate under fixed profit margins and regulated pricing systems, leaving them unable to compete with online platforms offering discounts between 20 and 50 per cent.

The association also raised concerns over the legal framework surrounding online medicine sales in India. Shinde argued that while the pharmaceutical sector is governed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, there is still no dedicated law specifically regulating e-pharmacy operations.

According to the chemists' body, several online platforms continue using relaxations introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic for medicine home delivery, even though lockdown conditions no longer exist. The association claims these temporary provisions are now giving e-pharmacies an unfair advantage over traditional retailers.

Another major issue highlighted by chemists is pricing pressure created by online discounting. Under the Drug Price Control Order, 2013, margins on essential medicines are already regulated for wholesalers and retailers. The association says this leaves small pharmacies with very limited flexibility to lower prices further.

Jagannath Shinde also warned that smaller towns and rural regions could be affected if local chemist shops begin shutting down due to business losses. According to the association, many rural communities still depend heavily on neighbourhood pharmacies for quick medicine access during emergencies.

The association has submitted memorandums to multiple ministries and regulators over recent months, including a representation addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, AICDA claims no satisfactory action has been taken so far regarding regulation of online medicine sales and discount practices.

Officials from the Thane District Chemists and Druggists Association were also present during the Kalyan press conference. Maharashtra state association secretary Anil Navandar said the bandh is expected to see strong participation across the state.

The association clarified that it is not against technology or online medicine delivery itself, but wants stricter rules, fair competition and what it describes as a level playing field between e-pharmacies and traditional medical stores operating across India.