Chemists to go on nationwide strike today, shops likely to remain closed

The chemists are also opposing online pharmacy, which they say, poses a threat to their business.

Several chemists across the country will go on a nationwide strike on Tuesday to protest against the “stringent” regulations on the sale of medicines.

Chemists are protesting against issues such as the online sale of medicine. (Burhaan Kinu/HT File Photo)

According to the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), the one-day strike has been called as several of their representations to the government, opposing the regulations on the sale of medicines, went unheeded.

“We have been asked to upload all information related to sale of medicines on a portal, which is not possible with the existing infrastructure,” said a senior member of AIOCD.

The chemists are also opposing online pharmacy, which they say, poses a threat to their business.

“The online pharmacy will also encourage irrational usage of medicines and sale of fake drugs,” the AIOCD member said.

The chemist body is also likely to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar tomorrow to highlight their concerns.