New Delhi, May 19 (BNP): Major pharmacy chains, hospital-attached medical stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras and AMRIT Pharmacy outlets across the country will continue operations on May 20, despite a nationwide shutdown call issued by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against the functioning of e-pharmacies and online medicine platforms.
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The decision comes following discussions between representatives of the AIOCD and national drug regulatory authorities, during which concerns regarding online medicine sales, regulatory oversight and market practices were raised. According to sources, the association was assured that the concerns are under active review and that the existing regulatory framework governing the sector is being examined to address issues affecting retail pharmacy stakeholders.
Several pharmacy associations and retail medicine networks have reportedly chosen not to participate in the proposed shutdown, citing the importance of uninterrupted healthcare services and the potential hardship that medicine shortages could create for patients dependent on essential and life-saving drugs.
Sources indicated that retail pharmacy associations from multiple states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh, have provided written assurances confirming that pharmacies under their jurisdiction will continue to function normally.
The AIOCD, which represents more than 1.24 million chemists and drug distributors nationwide, had earlier announced a one-day strike on May 20 to protest what it termed the unregulated expansion of e-pharmacy operations and alleged predatory pricing practices. The organisation has raised concerns over the sale of medicines without adequate prescription verification and warned against the misuse of digital systems that could potentially enable unauthorised access to antibiotics and habit-forming medicines.
The trade body has also expressed apprehension over deep discounting practices by large corporate-backed online medicine platforms, arguing that such pricing structures threaten the sustainability of small and independent pharmacies, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas where access to physical chemist shops remains critical.
At the same time, stakeholders opposing the shutdown stressed that closure of pharmacy outlets could adversely affect patients requiring continuous medication and emergency healthcare support. Consumer welfare and uninterrupted access to medicines, they said, remain a priority while regulatory concerns are addressed through consultation and policy review.
The issue of e-pharmacy regulation continues to remain under scrutiny, with industry bodies seeking stricter safeguards, clearer compliance mechanisms and a balanced policy framework to ensure fair competition while protecting public health interests.