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Will medicine shops remain open tomorrow? Here’s what the all-India chemist strike on May 20, Tuesday means for patients, pharmacies and emergency services
The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has previously too staged protests and strikes against the online sale of medicines. (PTI)
A nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on Tuesday, May 20, has sparked confusion among patients across India, especially those dependent on daily medicines.
The protest, backed by lakhs of chemists and druggists, is aimed at opposing online medicine sales and deep discounting by e-pharmacy platforms. But while the strike call is national, the actual impact may vary sharply from city to city. Some pharmacy associations have already said they will stay away from the bandh.
Here’s what consumers should know before stepping out for medicines tomorrow.
What Is The May 20 Chemist Strike About?
The AIOCD, which represents chemists, pharmacists and distributors across the country, has called for a one-day shutdown of medical stores and wholesale drug supply chains.
The organisation says unregulated online medicine sales are hurting small chemists and posing risks to public health.
At the centre of the protest are two government notifications — GSR 220(E) and GSR 817(E). According to the chemists’ body, these rules created loopholes that allowed e-pharmacies to operate without a fully defined legal framework.
An Indian Express report quoted Rajiv Singhal, general secretary of AIOCD, as saying that there are concerns over “wrong or fake prescriptions” being used on online platforms and demanded stricter regulation of e-pharmacies.
The group has also objected to heavy discounting by large online platforms, arguing that smaller neighbourhood chemists cannot compete with 20-50% discounts.
Will All Medicine Shops Remain Closed Tomorrow?
Not entirely.
The strike may affect retail pharmacies, wholesale distributors and independent chemist shops in several cities. But a complete nationwide shutdown appears unlikely.
NDTV quoted government sources as saying that pharmacy associations from at least 12 states and Union Territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab and West Bengal, have reportedly distanced themselves from the bandh.
That means many local chemist shops could remain operational despite the strike call.
At the same time, participation may still be significant in some markets, especially among smaller independent pharmacies.
In practical terms, consumers should prepare for partial disruption rather than assume business as usual.
What Will Likely Remain Open?
Even the protesting body has said emergency medicine services will continue.
These services are expected to function on May 20:
- Hospital-attached pharmacies
- Government hospital medicine counters
- Emergency medical stores
- Some 24×7 pharmacies
- Likely operation of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in several areas
Several states are also discussing contingency arrangements to ensure availability of critical medicines.
What Could Be Affected?
Depending on local participation, the following may see disruption:
- Standalone neighbourhood chemist shops
- Wholesale medicine distributors
- Local medicine supply chains
- Private pharmacy counters in markets and clinics
If your locality depends heavily on small independent pharmacies, availability may become patchy for a day.
Should You Buy Medicines In Advance?
Yes — especially if you take medicines daily.
Patients managing diabetes, blood pressure, thyroid conditions, heart disease, asthma or other chronic illnesses are being advised not to wait till the last minute.
Even where pharmacies remain open, there could be delays, shorter operating hours or stock issues if wholesale supply slows temporarily.
Why Are e-Pharmacies Under Fire?
The protest reflects a much larger battle between traditional chemist networks and India’s rapidly expanding online medicine delivery market.
Brick-and-mortar chemists argue that online platforms are operating in a regulatory grey zone, especially after Covid-era relaxations that allowed doorstep medicine delivery continued beyond the pandemic.
They also claim unchecked online sales could worsen misuse of antibiotics and prescription drugs.
Government officials, however, have said discussions are underway and that healthcare access should not be disrupted during the process.
FAQs On May 20 Chemist Strike
Is there a nationwide chemist strike on May 20?
Yes. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists has called for a nationwide bandh on Tuesday, May 20.
Will all medicine shops remain closed?
No. Several state pharmacy associations have reportedly refused to participate, so many shops may stay open depending on your city.
Will hospital pharmacies remain open?
Yes. Hospital-attached pharmacies and emergency medicine services are expected to continue operations.
Should I stock up on medicines today?
If you depend on regular medication, it is advisable to keep at least a few days’ supply ready to avoid inconvenience.
Are online medicine apps working tomorrow?
There is no official announcement of a shutdown by e-pharmacy platforms. However, local delivery timelines may vary depending on supply chain disruptions.
Why are chemists protesting against online pharmacies?
The protesting body says online medicine sales need stricter regulation, especially around prescription verification, discounting practices and patient safety.
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