Chemists in Delhi join strike against online sale of drugs

Over 12,000 pharmacies in the national capital on Wednesday joined the nationwide strike called by AIOCD opposing online sale of drugs, Delhi Retailers and Distributors Chemists Association said.

The call for the strike was given by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), demanding action from the Centre against 'illegal' online sale of medicines.

"All chemists shop in Delhi are closed on Wednesday except for some shops outside hospitals that we have allowed for providing emergency services to general public," Delhi Retailers and Distributors Chemists Association President Sandeep Nangia said.

Earlier, the AIOCD President JS Shinde had said that they strongly oppose the government's move to regularise sale of medicines through Internet that is e-pharmacy in larger public interest.

Shinde had claimed it was illegal to sell medicines on the Internet under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940.

The national chemists and druggists body has around eight lakh member chemists across the country.

Meanwhile, over 35,000 chemists and wholesalers in Chandigarh, Punjab and Haryana kept their shops closed. Chandigarh Chemist Association President Vijay Anand said the strike is to support eight lakh chemists across the country.