Chemists and druggists across Nagaland joined a nationwide one-day token strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists & Druggists against online pharmacies and alleged violations of provisions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.Under the banner of the Nagaland Medicine Dealers Association, medicine shops across the state remained closed in support of the protest. However, pharmacies attached to government and private hospitals as well as nursing homes were kept open and exempted from the bandh.In a press release, NMDA president Ato Yepthomi and joint secretary in-charge of press and media Arijit Sharma said the strike was peaceful and received strong support from chemists and druggists across Nagaland.
The association said a memorandum had been submitted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi raising concerns over what it described as illegal and unregulated online sale of medicines, home delivery of medicines without valid prescriptions, and heavy discounting practices that were affecting licensed chemists.The memorandum also sought immediate withdrawal of GSR 817(E) and GSR 220(E), which the association alleged were being misused by online medicine platforms and quick commerce operators for uncontrolled medicine delivery services.Expressing concern over public health and patient safety, the NMDA stated that medicines should not be treated as ordinary commodities. It said online sale and delivery of medicines without proper verification could pose serious risks and weaken the regulatory framework under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
The association further claimed that despite repeated complaints and submission of evidence regarding alleged illegal online operations, authorities had not taken effective action so far. Seeking intervention from the Centre, the chemist body urged the government to take corrective steps to safeguard public health and protect small licensed chemists and their employees from unfair business practices.
