New Delhi, May 20: Chemists across the country have called for a nationwide strike on Wednesday in protest against the rising sales of medicines through online pharmacies and digital platforms.
Led by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), this movement is expected to disrupt the supply of medicines, with over 1.24 million private medical stores likely to remain closed.
The organization has accused several e-pharmacy platforms of selling drugs without proper regulatory oversight. They claim that prescriptions are often not thoroughly verified, and regulations regarding the storage and delivery of medicines are not strictly adhered to, raising concerns about patient safety and quality control.
The AIOCD has warned that the unchecked expansion of online drug sales increases the risk of counterfeit medicines, misuse of drugs, and unauthorized sales of prescription medications.
Pharmacists have raised issues regarding the easy availability of online narcotics and Schedule H drugs without proper checks. They argue that this leads to increased misuse of medications, posing a risk to public health.
According to the organization, traditional drug sellers operate under strict provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which mandates the verification of prescriptions and limits on the quantity of drugs sold. In contrast, they claim that e-pharmacies often lack such safety measures.
Ravi Kumar from the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association stated that uniform regulations should apply to both online and offline pharmacies to ensure patient safety.
Association president Prasanna Kumar Singh emphasized that many medications require strict temperature-controlled storage, which is often compromised during online deliveries via courier services. He warned that such lapses could reduce the effectiveness of medicines and, in some cases, could even be harmful.
However, during this strike, the Prime Minister’s Indian Public Drug Scheme (PMBJP) centers will remain open, ensuring uninterrupted availability of medicines.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment