Responding to a nationwide call by All India Chemists and Druggists Association, Karnal Chemists and Druggists Association observed a one-day strike on Wednesday to protest the growing online sale of medicines and the lack of proper regulations for e-pharmacies.
Although the majority of medical stores across the district remained closed during the protest, alternative arrangements were made so patients would not suffer in the scorching heat. Some shops operated on a rotational basis to ensure patients were not inconvenienced.
Medical stores inside private hospitals and Jan Aushadhi kendras also remained open to provide emergency medicines and essential healthcare support. Despite these arrangements, many patients had to travel long distances to get medicines, spending extra time and money on fuel.
Association president Ram Parshad Goel said there are around 1,200 chemist shops in the district and the majority participated in the strike by either keeping their establishments closed or operating on a rotational basis. “The rapid rise of illegal e-pharmacy operations is seriously affecting the traditional medicine distribution system and posing risks to public health. Medicines are being sold online without valid prescriptions from registered doctors,” he said.
Goel, along with other office-bearers, also raised concerns about AI-generated slips and prescriptions, which they claim are increasingly being misused to buy restricted medicines. They alleged that prohibited medicines and other restricted-sale products are easily available through online platforms without proper verification.
The association further questioned whether many companies selling medicines online have the necessary licences and approvals required under the law. It argued that the absence of strict monitoring and clear regulations has encouraged unchecked online trade, causing heavy financial losses for conventional pharmacy owners.
They demanded that the government frame strict rules and regulations for the online sale of medicines and establish a strong monitoring mechanism to ensure patient safety.
