State chemists shut shops today over new drug rules

Bhopal: Patients seeking medicines Wednesday will find shutters down across Madhya Pradesh, as more than 41,000 chemist shops, including 6,000 in the state capital, remain closed. All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has called the nationwide strike to oppose the online sale of medicines.

On Wednesday in Bhopal, AIOCD general secretary Rajiv Singhal confirmed that both retail and wholesale dealers are backing the shutdown. The association argues that the issue directly affects public health, citing the absence of a clear regulatory framework to ensure the quality of medicines delivered to homes. Concerns have been raised that without proper oversight, patients could be exposed to unsafe or ineffective drugs.

Hospital Pharmacies Remain Open

Jitendra Dhakad of the MP Medical Stores Association alleged that online trade increases the risk of counterfeit, expired or incorrect medicines reaching patients. He urged citizens to stock essential prescriptions ahead of the strike. He added that hospital-based pharmacies are exempt, to avoid disruption to patient care. Dhakad emphasised that the exemption was necessary to ensure that those admitted to hospitals or undergoing treatment would not face difficulties in accessing medicines.

Task Force to Aid Emergencies

The association stressed that the protest is aimed at government policy, not the public. A district-level task force has been set up to assist patients in urgent need of medicines. Contact numbers have been issued, enabling people to report difficulties; the task force will arrange delivery of required drugs. Officials said the task force would operate throughout the day, coordinating with local chemists to ensure that emergency supplies are made available.

The AIOCD has long opposed online medicine sales, arguing that the practice undermines traditional chemists and poses risks to patient safety. Wednesday’s strike action is part of a nationwide campaign, with similar shutdowns reported in other states. The organisation has demanded stricter regulation and oversight of online platforms, warning that unchecked growth in the sector could have serious consequences for public health.