New Delhi, May 20, 2026 — Over 12.4 lakh chemists, pharmacists, and drug distributors across India are participating in a one-day nationwide strike today, called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD). The shutdown protests the unregulated growth of e-pharmacies and quick-commerce medicine delivery platforms, which traditional retailers say threaten patient safety, public health, and their livelihoods.
Core Issues Fueling the Protest
Traditional chemists argue that e-pharmacies operate in a regulatory grey area. Despite a pending 2018 draft framework and a Delhi High Court stay, online platforms continue selling medicines with inadequate prescription verification. Reports highlight concerns over fake or AI-generated prescriptions, repeated use of old prescriptions, and easy access to antibiotics and habit-forming drugs.
The AIOCD demands the withdrawal of two key government notifications — GSR 220(E) and GSR 817(E) — which provided temporary relaxations during the COVID-19 pandemic for home delivery of medicines. These provisions, they claim, have not been rolled back and now enable unchecked online sales.
Another major grievance is deep discounting by large corporate-backed e-pharmacy platforms. Online sellers often offer discounts far exceeding the standard 16% retail margin allowed for chemists, creating what the association calls “unprofessional competition.” This practice, they say, endangers small neighbourhood pharmacies, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where local chemists serve as primary healthcare access points.
The strike also raises alarms about potential misuse of medicines, counterfeit drugs, and the broader risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) due to lax oversight.
Expected Impact on Medicine Availability
Many independent medical stores are expected to remain closed today, potentially disrupting routine purchases in smaller towns and cities. However, the impact is not expected to be uniform nationwide.
- Hospital-attached pharmacies and emergency services will continue operating.
- Government-backed outlets like Jan Aushadhi stores and Amrit pharmacies are likely to remain open.
- At least 12 state-level chemists’ associations have opted out of the strike, ensuring some continuity in those regions.
- Authorities, including state drug controllers and the Centre, have assured citizens of no major nationwide shortage and urged people not to panic.
Patients dependent on regular medications have been advised to stock up essentials in advance or use hospital pharmacies for urgent needs. Several states have issued helplines for emergencies.
Broader Context
This is not the first time chemists have protested e-pharmacies. Similar agitations occurred in the past, including in 2018, highlighting the long-standing tension between traditional retail and digital convenience. While e-pharmacies offer doorstep delivery and lower prices — benefiting patients in remote areas — traditional chemists emphasise the need for stricter regulation to protect public health and ensure a level playing field.
As the strike unfolds, all eyes are on how regulators and the government respond. The outcome could shape the future of medicine retail in India, balancing innovation and accessibility with safety and sustainability for small retailers. Updates on local availability are expected throughout the day.
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