Chemists postpone nationwide strike after Govt assurance

An apex body of chemists today decided to postpone its proposed nationwide strike on November 23 after Union Health Ministry assured it that it will look into the issue of online sale of medicines and other matters raised by the group.

All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), which has about eight lakh members involved in sale and distribution of medicines, had given the strike call to push for action against "illegal" e-pharmacies.

"We have decided to postpone our one-day strike on November 23 after positive assurance given by Department of Health and Family Welfare on issues faced by the industry on online pharmacies and pharmacists," AIOCD President J S Shinde said in a statement here.

The decision was taken after a meeting between AIOCD and Health Ministry officials.

The trade body told the Health Ministry officials that despite online pharmacies being declared illegal by different courts, they continue to sell scheduled medicines without prescription, the statement said.

The Government officials assured AIOCD all corrective measures will be taken to stop online sales of scheduled drugs. Such sales will be only permitted if drug laws are amended after an expert committee looking into the issue submits its report.

In view of the assurance given by the Government to find an amicable solution to the problems of more than eight lakh chemists across India, AIOCD has decided to postpone the strike called on November 23, Shinde said.