Hyderabad: The nationwide Medical shops bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists disrupted retail drug stores across several cities on Wednesday.
The 24-hour strike began early in the morning. The AIOCD called for closure of medical shops across the country. More than 12.40 lakh pharmacists and drug distributors supported the Medical shops bandh. As a result, retail medicine outlets remained shut in several states and major cities.
Chemists’ associations alleged that online pharmacies sold antibiotics and addictive medicines without physical verification of prescriptions. They also claimed that some platforms used AI-generated fake prescriptions. According to the associations, such practices posed a threat to public health.
Further, the associations opposed the continuation of exemption notifications G.S.R. 220(E) and G.S.R. 817(E). The Centre introduced these notifications during the Covid-19 pandemic to allow home delivery of medicines. The associations demanded immediate withdrawal of the notifications.
Medical shops bandh raises pricing concerns
Chemists also accused corporate e-pharmacies of hurting small traders through predatory pricing. They said medicine margins remained fixed under government rules. However, online companies offered discounts ranging from 20 per cent to 50 per cent.
Meanwhile, the Telangana Drugs Control Administration and authorities in several states issued public advisories. They aimed to avoid inconvenience to patients and senior citizens during the Medical shops bandh.
Officials said medical stores attached to government and private hospitals would remain open. They also clarified that Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT pharmacies would continue operations.
In addition, large corporate pharmacy chains, including Apollo and MedPlus, kept their stores open during the bandh.
The Telangana Drugs Control Administration released a toll-free number, 1800 599 6969, for complaints and emergency medicine information. Officials also advised people to contact local drug inspectors during emergencies.