Chemists Across Surat to Join Nationwide Bandh Over Online Pharmacy Concerns

Surat | Gujarat — In a major escalation of opposition to e-pharmacy regulations, the Surat Chemists and Druggists Association has announced that around 6,500 medical stores across Surat city and district will remain closed on May 20 as part of a nationwide bandh called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists.

The protest is aimed at what the association calls the “unchecked and illegal expansion” of online pharmacies, which they claim is endangering public health and undermining traditional medical distribution systems.

“Fight for Public Health, Not Just Trade”

Association president Mansukhbhai Raiyani said the bandh is not merely a commercial protest but a broader fight for patient safety.

“This movement is not just about traders’ interests. It is a decisive step to protect crores of citizens and youth from fake and unsafe medicines,” Raiyani said.

He alleged that e-pharmacy platforms are exploiting regulatory loopholes to sell medicines without proper verification, creating risks of misuse, addiction and illegal distribution of controlled drugs.

Dispute Over Online Pharmacy Regulations

The chemists’ body traces the issue back to 2018, when the government introduced guidelines allowing online pharmacies under GSR 817(E). The association had opposed the move at the time, warning it would disrupt the traditional retail pharmacy ecosystem.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, temporary relaxation under GSR 220(E) allowed home delivery of medicines. However, chemists now claim that what was meant as an emergency measure has turned into a permanent commercial advantage for online platforms.

Concerns Over Fake Prescriptions and AI Misuse

Raiyani raised serious concerns about the misuse of digital tools, including artificial intelligence, to generate fake prescriptions.

“AI-generated fake prescriptions and forged doctor signatures are being used to order narcotic medicines in large quantities,” he said. “This has turned online platforms into a serious public safety threat.”

The association also claimed that Schedule H, H1 and X drugs are being accessed without proper pharmacist supervision, violating the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1945.

Safety Risks and Social Impact

Chemists argue that lack of temperature control during courier delivery may reduce the effectiveness of critical medicines like insulin and antibiotics. They also highlight the absence of qualified pharmacists in online systems to guide patients on dosage and side effects.

The association warned of rising social issues linked to misuse of prescription drugs ordered online, including addiction among youth and family disputes.

Reports cited by the association, including inputs attributed to security agencies, suggest that banned substances have been intercepted in courier deliveries, raising concerns about digital supply chains being misused.

Demand for Complete Ban

Calling for urgent intervention, the association demanded a complete shutdown of online medicine sales.

“With this bandh, we are sending a clear message that medicine cannot be treated like ordinary e-commerce goods,” Raiyani said.