Nationwide Shutdown on 20 May by AIOCD Against E-Pharmacy Issues

Nationwide: The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing over 12.40 lakh chemists and drug distributors, has announced a one-day nationwide shutdown on 20 May 2026. The protest targets the unregulated functioning of online pharmacies and predatory pricing practices that threaten the livelihood of 50 million dependents and public health. The organisation submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi expressing dissatisfaction over the government's inaction on these pressing issues.

AIOCD President J. S. Shinde and General Secretary Rajiv Singhal highlighted concerns regarding illegal e-pharmacies exploiting regulatory relaxations, leading to misuse of prescriptions and increased antimicrobial resistance (AMR). They also condemned deep discounting by large corporate entities disrupting market balance and endangering small chemists, especially in rural areas. The organisation demands the immediate withdrawal of COVID-era notifications G.S.R. 220(E) and G.S.R. 817(E) and calls for a level playing field policy to curb unfair discounting. They warned of an indefinite agitation if demands remain unmet by 20 May.