Patna: Around 40,000 medicine shops across Bihar will remain closed for 24 hours on May 20 as chemists join a nationwide strike against online medicine delivery platforms, according to the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association.
The shutdown is part of a call given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists. State association president Prasanna Kumar Singh said Bihar has extended full support to the protest.
Emergency Services To Continue
The association said medical stores operating inside or near nursing homes and hospitals will remain open to ensure access during emergencies.
In Patna alone, around 7,000 medicine shops are expected to participate. Wholesale medicine markets and carrying-and-forwarding agencies will also suspend operations during the strike.
Singh said the district administration has been informed and emergency contact details have been shared with officials to facilitate urgent supply if needed.
Protest Against E-Pharmacy Operations
The association said the protest is aimed at seeking regulation of online medicine delivery companies, which it alleges are operating without adequate oversight.
Speaking at a press conference at Govind Mitra Road, Patna’s wholesale medicine hub, Singh said traditional chemists must comply with strict licensing, prescription and pharmacist supervision rules, while online platforms are allegedly bypassing these requirements.
He claimed some e-pharmacy platforms are supplying prescription medicines without proper verification and that enforcement remains weak.
Concerns Over Sale Of Restricted Drugs
The association also raised concerns about the online sale of antibiotics and restricted medicines.
Singh alleged that medicines covered under Schedule H1 and other controlled categories are being sold through online channels, sometimes using forged prescriptions. He claimed this could encourage misuse of medicines and unsafe self-medication.
He also said customers often buy full strips of medicines online, which may lead to stockpiling and unsupervised later use.
Pricing And Competition Issues
The traders’ body said the absence of a clear regulatory framework has created unequal competition between offline retailers and e-pharmacy companies.
According to the association, retailer margins on medicines are fixed at 20%, while wholesalers receive up to 10%. Singh questioned how online platforms are offering discounts of 40% to 50%, alleging aggressive pricing practices that threaten smaller chemists.
Demand For Policy Review
The association said it is not opposed to digital medicine sales but wants the Union government to establish specific rules for e-pharmacy operations.
Singh also referred to the central government notification G.S.R. 220(E), issued on March 26, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed easier medicine delivery. He said the notification remains in effect despite the emergency phase ending.
The association has urged the government to review the framework and introduce safeguards to regulate online sales of medicines.
