Chemists across several parts of Haryana observed a one-day strike on Wednesday. The strike was called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists to protest against unregulated practices and heavy discounting by online pharmacy platforms.
The Haryana State Chemists and Druggists Association (HSCDA) said its members fully supported the nationwide strike. The association claimed that chemists across the state joined the protest in large numbers. In most districts, including Ambala and Hisar, pharmacy shops remained closed for the day as part of the strike.
An HSCDA spokesperson said that unregulated practices and deep discounting by online players are affecting the livelihood of small pharmacy owners.
In Kurukshetra, Association general secretary Ashok Singla said the strike was fully observed across the district, with widespread participation from chemists. He said pharmacies located inside private hospitals, clinics, and government hospitals were kept open and were exempted from the strike to ensure patients did not face difficulties.
The striking chemists sought strict action against illegal e-pharmacies and the online sale of medicines. They also called for restrictions on heavy discounts offered by online pharmacies or platforms. He said unregulated online medicine sales are a risk to public health and are hurting small retail chemists across the country.
He also raised concerns over medicines being sold online without proper prescription checks and demanded stronger enforcement of drug regulations by the government. He added that chemists have always played a key role in the healthcare system and drug supply chain. He said even during the COVID-19 pandemic, chemists ensured the uninterrupted availability of medicines.
Deepak Kalra, secretary of the Retail Chemists Association (Hisar branch), said all chemist shops in Hisar district remained closed in response to the strike call. He said pharmacy owners gathered near Nagori Gate in Hisar and raised slogans, urging the government to take action on their demands.
Also read: Haryana to organise Heritage City Walks on May 30
Follow us
