Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

15 Lakh Indian Chemists To Join May 20 Strike; Govt Says Jan Aushadhi, AMRIT Stores To Stay Open

Amid an India-wide strike of more than 15 lakh chemists and druggists slated for May 20, the government today noted that access to medicines will remain unaffected in the country.

“All pharmacy chains and hospital pharmacy stores, <span>Jan Aushadhi</span> stores, <span>AMRIT Pharmacy stores</span> will remain open tomorrow,” according to official sources from the Ministry of Health.

These stores will remain open “in addition to the many state and chemist associations who have already pulled out from the strike,” the sources said.

<span>Retail pharmacy associations</span> from at least 12 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, have formally distanced themselves from the strike call, citing “public interest”.

<h2>What Is The Nationwide Chemists’ Strike About?</h2>

Earlier this week, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) announced that more than 15 lakh chemists and druggists across the country will keep their medical stores shut on May 20 to protest against illegal online sale of medicines and “unprofessional competition” by corporate firms.

The trade body flagged the sale of prescription drugs without proper verification and warned that AI-generated fake prescriptions may worsen the misuse of antibiotics.

The nationwide strike also demands the withdrawal of notifications issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that allegedly enabled the misuse of <span>online medicine sales</span>, said AIOCD president and former MLC <span>Jagannath Shinde</span> during a press conference in Mumbai.

Shinde noted that online sales had led to the circulation of fake drugs, antibiotics, and scheduled medicines without prescriptions, posing a serious threat to public health, particularly among the youth.

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/i-was-vocal-about-cancer-but-silent-about-menopause-out-of-shame-says-actress-lisa-ray-article-154343978" data-type="tilCustomLink">‘I Was Vocal About Cancer But Silent About Menopause Out Of Shame’, Says Actress Lisa Ray</a>

“The online sale of drugs has become hazardous for the nation and needs to be checked on priority. Moreover, deep discounts offered by online companies were proving to be a death knell for small chemists and retailers,” he alleged.

During the COVID pandemic, the government had issued special exemptions to ensure home delivery of medicines. Shinde pointed out that those provisions are continuing even after the pandemic ended.

Online companies were exploiting these relaxations and engaging in unfair competition through discounts ranging from 20 to 50 per cent, he added.

<h2>CDSCO Reviewing Retail Pharmacy Concerns</h2>

<strong>Read More: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/no-ebola-case-in-india-public-risk-low-india-steps-up-surveillance-at-airports-and-seaports-article-154345074" data-type="tilCustomLink">No Ebola Case in India, Public Risk Low: Govt Steps Up Surveillance at Airports and Seaports</a>

Official sources in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reiterated that public health and patient access to medicines remain paramount.

They noted that any disruption in the functioning of chemist shops has the potential to cause serious inconvenience to patients, particularly vulnerable groups dependent on regular access to life-saving and essential medicines, besides impacting critical medical supply chains.

“Any disruption in the functioning of chemist shops has the potential to cause serious inconvenience to patients and impact critical medical supply chains,” a source said.

They also added that constructive dialogue remains the preferred mechanism for addressing sectoral concerns while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for citizens across the country.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

15-lakh-indian-chemists-to-join-may-20-strike-govt-says-jan-aushadhi-amrit-stores-to-stay-open

Jan Aushadhi

AMRIT Pharmacy stores

Indian Chemists on Strike

Retail pharmacy associations

online medicine sales

jagannath shinde

amy-schumer-opens-up-on-side-effects-after-botched-colonoscopy-and-weight-loss-journey

Amy Schumer Opens Up On Side Effects After “Botched” Colonoscopy And Weight Loss Journey

ebola-outbreak-over-130-people-dead-in-dr-congo-official-says

Ebola Outbreak: Over 130 People Dead In DR Congo, Official Says

Health News

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

Amid an India-wide strike of more than 15 lakh chemists and druggists slated for May 20, the government today noted that access to medicines will remain unaffected in the country.“All pharmacy chains and hospital pharmacy stores, Jan Aushadhi stores, AMRIT Pharmacy stores will remain open tomorrow,” according to official sources from the Ministry of Health.These stores will remain open “in addition to the many state and chemist associations who have already pulled out from the strike,” the sources said.Retail pharmacy associations from at least 12 states and Union Territories, including West Bengal, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh, have formally distanced themselves from the strike call, citing “public interest”.What Is The Nationwide Chemists’ Strike About?Earlier this week, the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) announced that more than 15 lakh chemists and druggists across the country will keep their medical stores shut on May 20 to protest against illegal online sale of medicines and “unprofessional competition” by corporate firms.The trade body flagged the sale of prescription drugs without proper verification and warned that AI-generated fake prescriptions may worsen the misuse of antibiotics.The nationwide strike also demands the withdrawal of notifications issued during the COVID-19 pandemic that allegedly enabled the misuse of online medicine sales, said AIOCD president and former MLC Jagannath Shinde during a press conference in Mumbai.Shinde noted that online sales had led to the circulation of fake drugs, antibiotics, and scheduled medicines without prescriptions, posing a serious threat to public health, particularly among the youth.Also read: ‘I Was Vocal About Cancer But Silent About Menopause Out Of Shame’, Says Actress Lisa Ray“The online sale of drugs has become hazardous for the nation and needs to be checked on priority. Moreover, deep discounts offered by online companies were proving to be a death knell for small chemists and retailers,” he alleged.During the COVID pandemic, the government had issued special exemptions to ensure home delivery of medicines. Shinde pointed out that those provisions are continuing even after the pandemic ended.Online companies were exploiting these relaxations and engaging in unfair competition through discounts ranging from 20 to 50 per cent, he added.CDSCO Reviewing Retail Pharmacy ConcernsRead More: No Ebola Case in India, Public Risk Low: Govt Steps Up Surveillance at Airports and SeaportsOfficial sources in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reiterated that public health and patient access to medicines remain paramount.They noted that any disruption in the functioning of chemist shops has the potential to cause serious inconvenience to patients, particularly vulnerable groups dependent on regular access to life-saving and essential medicines, besides impacting critical medical supply chains.“Any disruption in the functioning of chemist shops has the potential to cause serious inconvenience to patients and impact critical medical supply chains,” a source said.They also added that constructive dialogue remains the preferred mechanism for addressing sectoral concerns while ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services for citizens across the country.

15 lakh indian chemists to join may 20 strike; govt says jan aushadhi, amrit stores to stay open

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

15 Lakh Indian Chemists To Join May 20 Strike; Govt Says Jan Aushadhi, AMRIT Stores To Stay Open

Ebola Outbreak: Over 130 People Dead In DR Congo, Official Says

Ebola Outbreak: University of Glasgow Researcher Explains Why Bundibugyo Virus Is Concerning

No Ebola Case in India, Public Risk Low: Govt Steps Up Surveillance at Airports and Seaports

Health Conditions A-Z

15 Lakh Indian Chemists To Join May 20 Strike; Govt Says Jan Aushadhi, AMRIT Stores To Stay Open

Amy Schumer Opens Up On Side Effects After “Botched” Colonoscopy And Weight Loss Journey

Ebola Outbreak: Over 130 People Dead In DR Congo, Official Says