Chemists and druggists across Nagaland on Wednesday observed a one-day token strike in line with a nationwide call issued by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD), protesting the alleged illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines and related concerns affecting public health and small retailers.
Following the call, members of the Nagaland Medicine Dealers’ Association (NMDA) kept their establishments closed and extended support to the agitation, which is part of a broader movement across the country.
During the strike, a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi was submitted through the Divisional Commissioner / District Collector / SDM / Tehsildar to draw the attention of the Government towards illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines; sale and home delivery of medicines without valid and verified prescriptions; and predatory deep discounting practices by online medicine platforms, adversely affecting small and licensed chemists.
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The memorandum also demanded immediate withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), which are allegedly being misused by various online platforms and quick commerce operators for uncontrolled delivery of medicines.
Chemists and druggists expressed serious concern that medicines are not ordinary commodities and uncontrolled online sale without proper verification poses a grave threat to public health, patient safety, and the regulatory framework established under the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.
The pharmaceutical trade reiterated that during the Covid pandemic, chemists across the nation worked tirelessly as frontline healthcare support providers and ensured uninterrupted supply of medicines to the public. Despite repeated representations and submission of evidence regarding illegal online operations, no effective action has yet been taken by the concerned authorities.
The chemist fraternity has therefore appealed to the Central Government to take immediate corrective measures in the larger interest of patient safety, public health, and protection of lakhs of small licensed chemists and their employees.
The NMDA expressed gratitude and thanks to all the Presidents and members of the affiliated Districts chemist and Druggist association of the Dimapur, Chumukhedima, Niuland, Kohima, Mokukchung, Phek, Shamator, Kiphirie, Mon, Zunhebhoto and others.
The NMDA also extends its appreciation and thankfulness to all the District Administrations, Commissioner of Police and Drug Control Administration for their administrative, technical and moral support in observation of this bandh successfully.
NMDA also appreciated the DCCI for safeguarding the business community of Dimapur from any kind of Infiltration and intimidation. It also thanked the general public, the patients and their family of the state for understanding and bearing with the Association.
