If you or any member of your family regularly takes medicine for any disease, then this news is very important for you. In fact, there may be a shortage of medicines across the country on 20 May 2026 (Wednesday), because under the leadership of All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), more than 12.40 lakh chemists across the country are preparing for ‘Bharat Bandh’. In such a situation, there is a possibility that medicine shops will remain completely closed in most cities, towns and villages of the country.
Why are chemists going on strike?
The main reason for this big protest by drug sellers is the medicines sold on the internet i.e. ‘e-pharmacy’ and the huge discounts given by big corporate companies. Chemists clearly say that medicines are being sold on online platforms without any strict rules and regulations. This has not only resulted in their business being shut down, but it is also becoming a big threat to the lives of the patients.
Chemists told their 3 biggest concerns
Medicines are being sold without proper testing: The biggest allegation of chemists is that medicines are being sold indiscriminately on online websites and apps without proper prescription from any doctor. People are ordering medicines by uploading the same prescription again and again on the internet. In many cases, drugs and heavy antibiotics are easily reaching homes through fake prescriptions. This is harming the health of common people.
Small shopkeepers ruined by huge discounts of big companies: Big corporate houses are offering such huge discounts on medicines on online platforms that ordinary chemists in localities, villages, towns and small cities are unable to compete with them. Due to continuous heavy losses, business of small shopkeepers is coming to a standstill and shops are being closed.
Misuse of loose rules during Corona period: During the Corona epidemic (Covid-19), when it was difficult to leave the house, the government temporarily relaxed some rules related to the sale of medicines. Chemists say that even after the end of the pandemic, those rules are still in force and e-pharmacy companies are taking advantage of them.
What are the main demands of the organization?
- The temporary rules (GSR 220(E)) issued during the Corona period should be canceled with immediate effect.
- The notification (GSR 817(E)) exempting online pharmacies should be withdrawn completely.
- There should be a ban on the huge discounts given by big companies by breaking the market rules.
Question of patients’ lives and employment of 5 crore people
AIOCD President J. S. Shinde and General Secretary Rajeev Singhal have warned that this fight is not limited to saving the business of chemists, but it is a serious matter directly related to the safety of patients. Due to these illegal e-pharmacies and huge discounts, there is a big crisis in the livelihood of about 5 crore people associated with the drug trade. The organization has given an ultimatum that if no concrete solution is found by paying attention to their problems by May 20, then this strike will not last for just one day. After this, chemists across the country will be forced to protest for a long time, due to which the health system of the entire country may be affected.
Also read: Does smoking cigarettes really make the voice heavier? Know the truth behind this
Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)
Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator
