The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has announced a one-day nationwide shutdown on May 20, 2026, protesting what it described as government inaction against illegal online pharmacies and predatory pricing practices by large corporate entities.
The apex body, representing more than 12.40 lakh chemists and drug distributors across the country, said the unregulated functioning of e-pharmacies and deep discounting practices have put the livelihoods of nearly 50 million dependents at risk.
In a memorandum submitted to Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the organization stated that despite repeated representations, no concrete action has been taken on issues affecting the pharmaceutical trade, leading to growing resentment among chemists nationwide.
The organization alleged that online pharmacy platforms are exploiting regulatory relaxations under G.S.R. 817(E), allowing medicines to be sold without physical verification of prescriptions. It claimed that repeated use of the same prescription, AI-generated fake prescriptions, and uncontrolled sale of antibiotics and habit-forming drugs are creating serious public health risks, including antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
AIOCD further accused large corporate entities of disturbing market balance through deep discounting practices. It stated that while profit margins on essential medicines are regulated under NPPA and DPCO norms, excessive discounting by major players is creating unfair competition and threatening the survival of small chemists, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas.
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The organization also demanded withdrawal of G.S.R. 220(E), a temporary notification issued during the COVID-19 pandemic on March 26, 2020. According to AIOCD, the notification has continued beyond its intended emergency purpose and is weakening the safeguards provided under Drug Rule 65, enabling digital platforms to bypass regulatory norms.
The AIOCD has demanded immediate withdrawal of the temporary COVID-period notification G.S.R. 220(E); withdrawal of the e-pharmacy related notification G.S.R. 817(E); and introduction of a “level playing field” policy to prevent unfair deep discounting by corporate entities
In a joint statement, AIOCD President, JS Shinde and General Secretary, Rajiv Singhal said the issue concerns not just trade but also patient safety.
“This is not merely a matter of trade, but of patient safety. If the Government does not take any concrete decision on these demands by May 20, we will be compelled to launch an indefinite agitation,” they stated.
