New Delhi, September 28: Chemists and druggists across the nation will observe a nationwide strike on Friday to protest against the government’s support to the online selling of medicines. The Food and Drugs administration has given instructions to the district administration that they should take care of all medical shops will remain open during the bandh period. Meanwhile, opposing the Centre’s move to regularise online pharmacies, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) said e-pharmacy poses threat to their business and could lead to the risk of drug abuse.

The protest has been called by the AIOCD against the illegal sale of medicines sold by e-pharmacy sites without prescription. While the drug prices have been regulated by the government, online portals offer discounts up to 70 per cent against a 10 per cent discount available at wholesalers. The Maharashtra State Chemists and Druggists Association (MSCDA) have also extended their support to the strike. Chemists Strike Across India on September 28; Keep Medicines Handy.

Sandeep Nangia, the organising secretary of the AIOCD and president of the Retail Distributors Chemists Association (RDCA) was quoted by PTI saying that repeated appeals have been made by the AIOCD through memorandums to the authorities and the departments concerned. He said chemist shops across the country will remain closed on September 28.

The AIOCD members alleged e-pharmacies would encourage irrational usage of medicines and sale of spurious drugs. Nangia added that the seriousness of the issue is evident through numerous cases of illegal online sale of medicines by the so-called e-pharmacies and online portals.

Nangia further added that the AIOCD has already observed two ‘Bharat Bandhs’ earlier and if the appeal does not get a positive response from the government, the organisation will not have any other option than to call for a nationwide indefinite agitation.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 28, 2018 08:47 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).