Shimla: Patients across Himachal Pradesh may face inconvenience today as medical stores remained shut in several parts of the state on Tuesday in support of a nationwide strike called by the All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) against online medicine delivery platforms.
The strike has been organised to protest against the alleged “illegal operation” of e-pharmacies and instant medicine delivery apps. Chemist associations have demanded stricter regulations on online sale of medicines, claiming such platforms are affecting small pharmacy businesses and raising concerns over patient safety and prescription verification.
According to reports, over 12 lakh chemists and druggists across the country extended support to the one-day shutdown. Pharmacy bodies alleged that deep discounts offered by online platforms are creating unfair competition for traditional medicine shops.
In Himachal Pradesh, several wholesale and retail medical shops remained closed, affecting routine medicine purchases. However, emergency medical services and hospital-attached pharmacies were expected to continue functioning to avoid inconvenience to critical patients.
The protesting chemists have also opposed government notifications related to home delivery of medicines, stating that online medicine sales are continuing without a clear regulatory framework.
