Pharmacies across India held a nationwide strike on May 20, 2024, to protest the growth of unregulated online medicine sales [1].
The shutdown threatens the traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy model in India. By halting the distribution of medication, the protest highlights a growing conflict between established druggists and the rapid rise of digital health platforms.
The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) organized the bandh to demand the withdrawal of government notifications GSR 220(E) and GSR 817(E) [1]. The organization said these regulations facilitate illegal online sales and allow e-pharmacies to operate without proper oversight [2].
Beyond regulatory concerns, the AIOCD is protesting the practice of deep discounting used by online platforms [3]. Chemists said these pricing strategies create unfair competition, and undermine the viability of physical medical stores [1].
Reports on the scale of the participation vary. Some estimates indicate that 800,000 pharmacies called for the shutdown [3]. Other reports place the number of participating chemists and druggists between 1.24 million [2] and over 1.6 million [4].
This nationwide action aimed to pressure the government to address the unregulated nature of e-pharmacy operations [3]. The protesters said that the current digital landscape allows for the sale of medicines without adhering to the strict standards required of physical stores [1].
“Pharmacies across India held a nationwide strike on May 20, 2024”
This strike reflects a broader global tension between traditional retail and e-commerce, specifically within the high-stakes sector of healthcare. If the Indian government withdraws the contested notifications, it could slow the expansion of digital pharmacies; conversely, maintaining them may lead to further consolidation of the market and the closure of smaller, independent chemists.
