Nagaland chemists joined a nationwide strike against online medicine sales and e-pharmacy practices on Wednesday.
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DIMAPUR — Pharmacies across Nagaland downed shutters on Wednesday as chemists joined a nationwide one-day strike against “illegal and uncontrolled” online sale of medicines, while also demanding tighter regulation of home deliveries and deep-discount practices by e-pharmacy platforms.
The bandh, called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists (AIOCD), saw widespread participation from members of Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association (NMDA) and affiliated district chemists’ bodies across Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Niuland, Kohima, Mokokchung, Phek, Shamator, Kiphire, Mon and Zunheboto, among others.
In a press release, the NMDA informed that chemists submitted a memorandum addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through district authorities, highlighting concerns over unregulated online medicine sales, alleged delivery of medicines without verified prescriptions, and aggressive discounting practices that they claimed threaten the survival of small licensed pharmacies.
Also read: 'Complete shutdown’: Nationwide chemists’ strike against online pharmacy sales
The memorandum also sought immediate withdrawal of GSR 817 and GSR 220, which the association alleged were being misused by online medicine platforms and quick-commerce operators for uncontrolled medicine delivery.
They maintained that medicines should not be treated as ordinary commodities, arguing that unchecked online sales without proper verification pose risks to patient safety and undermine the regulatory framework under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The association further stated that despite repeated representations and evidence submitted regarding alleged illegal online operations, authorities had failed to take effective action.
Referring to the Covid-19 pandemic, chemists reminded that local pharmacies had functioned as frontline healthcare support providers by ensuring uninterrupted medicine supply during the crisis.
In Nagaland, pharmacies attached to government and private hospitals and nursing homes were exempted from the bandh to ensure availability of medicines for emergency patients.
While the strike affected routine pharmacy operations across the state, the NMDA stated that emergency and essential medicines were made available to needy patients as part of its “humanitarian responsibility”.
The association also thanked district administrations, the police and the Drug Control Administration for extending administrative and technical support during the bandh.
It additionally acknowledged the role of the Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry in safeguarding the business community and maintaining a “cordial business atmosphere” in Dimapur.