Medical retailers across the country have announced a nationwide protest on May 20 against online medicine sales and heavy discounting practices adopted by e-pharmacy platforms. The agitation, led by the All India Chemists and Druggists Association (AICDA), could reportedly result in the closure of nearly 12.5 lakh chemist shops across India.
The association said the protest aims to push the Central government to implement stricter regulations for e-pharmacy companies, which traditional chemists claim are severely affecting small medical stores through aggressive pricing strategies and unregulated online medicine sales. AICDA has also warned that if their demands remain unaddressed, an indefinite nationwide strike may be launched in the coming weeks. The proposed bandh is expected to affect medicine availability in both urban and rural regions if large-scale participation takes place.
Addressing a press conference in Kalyan, AICDA president Jagannath Shinde said local chemists are struggling to compete with corporate-backed online pharmacy platforms offering discounts ranging from 20 to 50 per cent on medicines. He stated that neighbourhood pharmacies function under fixed profit margins and regulated pricing structures, making it difficult for them to match online pricing.
The association further raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated legal framework for regulating e-pharmacy operations in India. Shinde pointed out that while the pharmaceutical sector is governed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, there is currently no separate law specifically addressing online medicine sales.
According to AICDA, several online pharmacy companies continue to benefit from relaxations granted during the COVID-19 pandemic for home delivery of medicines, despite the end of lockdown restrictions. The association alleged that these temporary provisions are now creating an unfair business advantage for e-pharmacy platforms over traditional retailers.
Chemists also highlighted pricing pressures caused by deep discounting. Under the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013, margins on essential medicines are already regulated for wholesalers and retailers, leaving small chemist shops with little room to further reduce prices.
Jagannath Shinde warned that if small pharmacies continue shutting down due to mounting business losses, rural and semi-urban regions may face difficulties in accessing medicines during emergencies, as many such areas still heavily depend on local medical stores.
The association said it has submitted memorandums to multiple government departments and regulatory bodies in recent months, including a representation addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, AICDA claimed that no concrete action has been taken so far regarding regulation of online medicine sales and discounting practices.
Officials from the Thane District Chemists and Druggists Association were also present during the Kalyan press conference. Maharashtra state association secretary Anil Navandar stated that the protest is likely to receive strong support across the state.
The association clarified that it is not opposed to technology or online medicine delivery services, but is demanding stricter regulations, fair competition, and what it describes as a level playing field between e-pharmacies and traditional medical retailers across the country.