CDSCO review weakens May 20 chemists’ bandh as states opt out

NEW DELHI: The proposed nationwide bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20 over e-pharmacy regulations appeared to lose momentum on Monday after several state-level retail pharmacy associations decided to stay away following assurances from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) that their concerns are under active review.However, AIOCD general secretary Rajiv Singhal said the strike would continue “until unless G.S.R. 220(E) and G.S.R. 817(E) are withdrawn” and demanded corrective measures to stop “deep discounting by corporates through online platforms.”Sources in the national drug regulator said several Retail Pharmacy Associations have declined to participate in the one-day strike, citing larger public interest and the need to ensure uninterrupted access to essential medicines.According to CDSCO sources, AIOCD representatives recently met officials of the central drug regulator and raised concerns over online sale of medicines and its impact on brick-and-mortar chemists. Officials reportedly assured them that the issues raised by retail pharmacy stakeholders and the regulatory framework governing e-pharmacies are under review.Sources said the regulator also stressed that disruption in pharmacy operations could seriously affect patients dependent on life-saving medicines, chronic therapies and emergency medical supplies.Following the discussions, several state pharmacy bodies reviewed their stand and chose not to support the bandh.Retail Pharmacy Associations from West Bengal, Kerala, Punjab, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh have submitted written assurances that medicine shops in their regions will remain open and there will be no disruption in supply on May 20, sources said.Officials maintained that patient access to medicines remains paramount and dialogue is the preferred mechanism for addressing sectoral concerns without affecting healthcare services.With several major state bodies opting out, the proposed nationwide strike is expected to have limited impact across much of the country.