Telangana chemists join nationwide strike against online pharmacies

Chemists and druggists across Telangana joined a nationwide strike against online pharmacies, alleging unfair practices and lack of regulation. While standalone medical shops shut down, hospital-attached pharmacies, Jan Aushadhi Kendras, and large chains like Apollo and MedPlus continued operations.

Hyderabad: As part of a one-day nationwide strike call given by the All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists against online pharmacies, medical shops in Telangana downed their shutters on Wednesday.

While those affiliated to Telangana Chemists and Druggists Association (TTCDA) and Hyderabad Chemists and Druggists Association (HCDA) participated in the strike, pharmacy chains like Apollo, MedPlus and their online operations functioned normally. Medical shops attached to hospitals and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, also remained operational.

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The associations claimed that during the Covid-19 pandemic, regulations to sell medicines were relaxed for online pharmacies have continued even now. There is no physical verification during the sale of medicines by online pharmacies and corporate companies with deep pockets are disrupting the market by offering deep discounts on medicines, they alleged.

To ensure there is no disruption in the availability of life-saving drugs during the strike, the Telangana Drug Control Administration (TGDCA) held a meeting with the AIOCD Telangana chapter.