The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has announced a nationwide strike on May 20, 2026, protesting against online medicine sales, deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms, and alleged regulatory loopholes affecting traditional chemists across India.
According to AIOCD, more than 12.4 lakh chemists and drug distributors are expected to participate in the one-day shutdown. The organisation alleged that unregulated e-pharmacies pose risks to public health, encourage misuse of prescription medicines, and adversely affect the livelihood of small pharmacy owners across the country.
However, the proposed bandh appears to have weakened after several state-level pharmacy associations reportedly opted out following assurances from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) that the concerns raised by chemists are under review. Authorities in several states have also arranged emergency medicine supply systems and helpline services to prevent disruption of essential healthcare services.
Reports further indicated that major pharmacy chains, hospital-based medical stores, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and AMRIT pharmacies are likely to remain operational during the strike.
The AIOCD, founded in 1975, represents chemists, pharmacists, and distributors across India and has repeatedly urged the government to introduce stricter regulations on online medicine sales and predatory pricing practices by large corporate-backed platforms.
Meanwhile, despite the nationwide shutdown call and the closure of several pharmacies across Manipur on May 20, pharmacy services at District Hospital Ukhrul will remain open and operational.
As such, patients and the public in Ukhrul District can continue to access medicines and emergency healthcare services from the District Hospital pharmacy without disruption during the proposed shutdown.
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