Chemists to shut shops today over e-pharmacy row

Patna: Medicine stores across state, including Patna, will remain shut for 24 hours on May 20 as chemists will join a nationwide strike against online pharmacies and their regulatory framework.The protest has been called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) and is being supported in Bihar by the Bihar Chemists and Druggists Association. Nearly 40,000 chemists across the state, including around 7,000 in Patna district, are expected to participate. Nationwide, around 12.4 lakh chemists are likely to join the strike.Parsan Kumar Singh, vice-president of AIOCD’s eastern zone, said the protest was aimed at protecting both traditional pharmacy businesses and public health.“This movement is aimed at protecting our business, safeguarding public health and preserving the integrity of the pharmaceutical distribution system,” Parsan said.He alleged e-pharmacies were functioning in a “legal grey zone” as online delivery services had initially been permitted only for a limited period during the Covid-19 pandemic.Chemists also raised concerns over alleged misuse of online medicine platforms for purchasing antibiotics and habit-forming drugs through fake or poorly verified prescriptions.“A fake prescription can be scrutinised when people come to the stores, as we are equipped with trained pharmacists; however, fake prescriptions cannot be flagged online,” said Tarun Kumar, administrative secretary of the association.Trade representatives further alleged that heavy discounting and aggressive pricing by online platforms were hurting small pharmacy owners and affecting their survival.AK Sinha, who runs a pharmacy on Boring Canal Road, said many customers had shifted to online medicine platforms after the pandemic because of steep discounts and home delivery services.“The offline retailers can provide up to 10% discount, which we do, but anything more than that does not seem feasible,” Sinha said.Association leaders clarified that emergency medical services and pharmacies attached to hospitals would remain operational during the strike.Officials said chemists would stage a protest on GM Road in Patna from 10 am to 1 pm on Wednesday, while similar demonstrations would also be held at district headquarters across Bihar.