GUWAHATI: The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), a leading body representing chemists and druggists across the country, observed a nationwide 24-hour strike from May 20 to May 21 over several issues affecting the pharmaceutical and retail medicine sectors.
ALSO READ: Assam Govt Re-engages Two Retired IAS Officers in Senior Administrative Roles
As part of the protest, demonstrations were held at both state and district headquarters across India. In Assam, the Chemists and Druggists Association of Assam extended its support to the strike and participated in the protest held between 11 am and 1 pm.
Speaking to GPlus, the president of the association, N.L. Agarwala, said that nearly 90 percent of pharmacies remained closed during the strike. However, pharmacies located near hospitals continued operations to handle emergency requirements. He added that around 150 pharmacies across Assam and 17 private pharmacies in Guwahati remained open for emergency services.
Agarwala further stated that nearly 12.5 lakh people across the country supported the protest, including around 22,000 participants from Assam.
He also informed that a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was submitted, highlighting the organisation’s key demands. These include immediate action against the illegal online sale of medicines, a complete ban on the sale and delivery of medicines without valid and verified e-prescriptions, the withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), and an end to predatory pricing and deep discounting practices by online platforms.
Meanwhile, according to media reports, retail pharmacy associations from several states including West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Ladakh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, and Uttarakhand have assured authorities that they would not participate in the strike and would ensure uninterrupted medicine availability for the public during the protest period.