A one-day national strike by chemists gets off to a mixed start

A poster announcing a nationwide strike by chemists and druggists hangs in front of a pharmacy in Panjagutta on May 19, 2026. Photo credit: Siddhant Thakur

The one-day strike called by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against unregulated practices and deep discounts by online players got off to a mixed start, even as the organization sought full support from its members.

The AIOCD claims to represent 12.4 lakh chemists, pharmacists and distributors and is demanding action against what it called the “illegal” operations of online pharmacies.

“All medical shops are closed…we are getting feedback from all our state branches that they are all participating in this strike. We have not stressed the nursing home pharmacists working there inside the hospitals,” AIOCD general secretary Rajiv Singhal told PTI.

However, some organized chain pharmacies operated in the National Capital Region.

“We are not part of the strike,” said one sales executive when asked about the AIOCD’s nationwide strike call.

Mr. Singhal reiterated that the AIOCD is protesting the GSR 817 and GSR 220 notifications as these effectively regulate online pharmacies.

These have led to drugs being sold without proper physical verification of prescriptions, while online pharmacies backed by deep-pocketed companies indulge in deep discounts, hurting traditional chemists, he noted.

Mr. Singhal said the AIOCD would consider its future course of action after the one-day nationwide strike to protect the interests of its members and stakeholders.

Published – 20 May 2026 11:27 IST