Several retail pharmacy associations across India have reportedly decided not to participate in the proposed one-day nationwide strike called by the All-India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) on May 20, 2026.
According to sources within the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), many pharmacy groups chose to stay away from the strike citing public interest and humanitarian responsibility, emphasizing that uninterrupted access to essential medicines must remain a priority.
The strike was reportedly announced by All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists over concerns related to the growing operations of e-pharmacies and their impact on traditional retail chemists.
Sources said representatives from AIOCD recently met with officials of the national drug regulator to raise their concerns. CDSCO officials reportedly assured the organization that the issues are under active review and that the government is examining the regulatory framework governing online pharmacy operations.
The development comes amid an ongoing debate in India’s healthcare and pharmaceutical sector over balancing digital medicine delivery platforms with the interests of small retail pharmacy businesses.
