Chemists Call Nationwide Bandh May 20

hyderabadClaiming that illegal e-pharmacies enable fake prescriptions generated by artificial intelligence and threaten both public health and small medical stores, chemist associations announced that medical stores will open across the country on May 20.

The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association (TTCDA) and Hyderabad District Chemists and Druggists Association (HCDA) said that more than 12.40 lakh shops and distributors will participate in the protest.

The associations alleged that online platforms were misusing relaxations under GSR 817(E), allowing drugs to be sold without proper verification. They warned that fake prescriptions could make antibiotics and habit-forming drugs easily accessible and worsen antimicrobial resistance.

They also accused corporate pharmacy chains of predatory pricing, offering steep discounts despite regulated margins under the Drug Price Control Order, and pushing small chemists into losses.

The organizations called for a “level playing field” in pricing, demanding the withdrawal of Covid-era notification GSR 220(E) and cancellation of GSR 817(E). “This is not just a business issue but also a public health safety issue. If the government does not respond, we may intensify the agitation,” said HCDA chairman A. Sridhar Gupta.

Honorary president K. Venkata Ramana Reddy added that stronger regulations for e-pharmacies are needed to prevent misuse of digital platforms and protect both consumers and small traders