A large number of residents faced inconvenience on Wednesday as around 4,000 chemist shops across Ludhiana remained closed during a one-day nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists against the online sale of medicines and alleged predatory pricing by e-pharmacy platforms.
The bandh, supported by the Punjab Chemists Association (PCA), disrupted routine purchase of medicines, especially for patients dependent on daily medication for diabetes, blood pressure and other chronic illnesses. Several residents were seen visiting multiple localities in search of open medicine shops as only emergency drug stores at hospitals and nursing homes continued operations.
GS Chawla, president of the district chemist association, said, “We are on a one-day strike and we have also given emergency numbers of Deputy Commissioners and put posters on some of the shops which are shut only for emergency. Normal services are shut.”
While hospital pharmacies remained operational, many residents said accessing them was difficult due to distance and long waiting queues. “Not every locality has a hospital nearby. I had to travel several kilometres to buy medicines for my father,” said Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Haibowal.
Another resident, Pooja Sharma from Dugri, said, “People who require medicines on a daily basis faced major trouble today. Private hospital drug stores were open, but reaching there took time and extra money.”
Chemist associations said the strike was aimed at pressing the government to regulate online sale of medicines, stop deep discounting practices and take action against alleged irregularities in the e-pharmacy sector. The association also raised concerns over online sale of habit-forming medicines without proper prescription checks.
The PCA further opposed the proposed Online National Drugs Licensing System, claiming Punjab already has a monitoring portal in place. Trader bodies, medical representatives and the Indian Medical Association also extended support to the agitation.
